Fern LaFay Cunningham

Fern LaFay Cunningham, 85, of Boise, Idaho, died Saturday, October 7, 2023 at home with family by her side.
Fern was born in Boise, Idaho on February 3, 1938 to Eva Martin Gepford and Delbert Gepford.  As a child her family moved often and Fern attended many different schools in the Pacific Northwest, graduating from high school in Oregon City, OR. On September 17, 1958 Fern married Delbert DeLoye Cunningham in Boise, Idaho. She was a member of the Followers of Christ Church
Fern birthed 15 children at home with her husband by her side. Her hands were full most of the time with a child, a washcloth or a spatula. She enjoyed having fun and adventures with her children, taking hikes, picnics, making candy and paper grocery bags full of flavored popcorn.  Fern was a brave woman, taking the pack to the drive in movies, roller skating, swimming, because staying home was not an option. After Delbert's untimely passing, she honored him with continuing their dreams of traveling and never stopped. Fern had an entrepreneurial spirit and worked many different types of home sales even while raising her children. After her children left home, she worked as a camp host in Humbug, Oregon and Costco.  She found a passion and natural talent in painting from a class at the senior center and her adventure in water color painting began. Her purple hair became a new mark of spunk. She took numerous art classes, and continued to travel for her inspirations. When she wasn't painting she was reading, watching westerns loudly, shopping, dining out with friends and family.  She was a member of Purple Hat Society, volunteered at the Boise Senior Center, and ushered at the Morrison Center. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. In the last stage of her life she was cared for by her children who fulfilled her last request. In which her favorite foods were cooked, and every craving met. Music played, westerns on repeat, her loved ones loud laughter, and conversations kept her entertained. Fern Cunningham was and is a legacy of love, laughter and her many shades of purple.
Survivors include 13 children and their spouses/partners: Arvin & Regina Cunningham, Christine Hamilton & Peter Murphy, Eldon Cunningham & Donna McCool, Iva Cunningham, Minta & Sean Solleder, Ellis & Hillary Cunningham, Eva & Joe Hrubec, Sarah Cunningham, Doris Cunningham & Larry Dunn, John Cunningham & DeEsta Denver, Daniel Cunningham, Ivan Cunningham & Kim Jensen, Keith Cunningham & Hailey Ormerod, 28 grandchildren and their spouses/partners: Olivia & Jeremy Aulbach, Aubrey Cunningham & Miles Thompson, Alex & Annie Cunningham, Danielle & Nick Gryniewicz, Logan Hamilton & Fiona Tighe, Molly Cunningham, Mathew Cunningham, Jessika Solleder, Kyla Solleder, Quinlan Solleder, Taylor Cunningham & James Anderson, Emma Cunningham, Ava Hrubec, Zoë Hrubec, Alexander (Champion) Barron, Kristen & Lane Rosa, Alyssa Manciu & Max Olivan, Austen Manciu, Brenden Manciu, Xyen Cunningham, Hudson Cunningham, Vanessa & Eddie Mahoney, Amy (Tori) Lehto, Madison Jensen, Sophie Cunningham, Izick Cunningham, Ripley Cunningham, Glacin Cunningham, 5 great grandchildren: Jewel Aulbach, Lois Aulbach, Esther Aulbach, Stevie Cunningham, Mason Cunningham and 3 on the way. She was also survived by her sister and her husband, Linda and Carol Dean, and a brother, Toby Gepford. Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert DeLoye Cunningham, and two children, Esther Loraine Cunningham-Woodland, and Paul DeLoye Cunningham.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from 5-7 pm and Thursday, October 12, 2023 9 am-12 pm at the Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel.  Graveside services will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 2 pm at Dry Creek Cemetery. Memorial Dinner potluck will follow graveside service at Gem Center for The Arts 2417 Bank Drive, Boise, ID 83705 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, all are welcome.