Judith Hilkemeyer Cunningham, 77, of Montgomery City, MO, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at her home surrounded by family.

Judith Ann Hilkemeyer Cunningham was born April 13, 1942 in Martinsburg, MO to Gerald Francis "Pete" Hilkemeyer and Dorothy Marie Brandenburg Stumbaugh. She graduated from Montgomery County R-II High School in 1960 and then attended Cosmetology School in Jefferson City. Judy married William "Peter" Cunningham on November 28, 1964 in St. Louis, MO, and they have been married over 54 wonderful years. Judy was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, Montgomery City Garden Club, a former board member of the Montgomery City Public Library, she volunteered for the Montgomery County United Way, and helped Peter deliver Meals on Wheels.

She was a very hard worker, never shying away from a job whether it was keeping her house spotless, refinishing furniture or baseboards or even remodeling two houses. She read more books than anyone in Montgomery City and read them fast enough that she never had to pay a fine. She enjoyed plants and flowers and would frequently make her family stop on trips so she could "get a start" and take it home to plant. One of her favorite things was sitting on her front porch on Wentz Street and drinking iced tea while socializing with neighbors and friends. She never met a stranger and welcomed anyone into her home, even people Peter brought home that she wasn't expecting. More than anything, Judy loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren, and she will be greatly missed.

Judy is survived by her husband, William "Peter" Cunningham of Montgomery City, MO; two children: Jeff Cunningham and wife, Lori, of Mineola, MO; and Courtney Cothren and husband, Ty, of Montgomery City, MO; and five grandchildren: Jacob Cunningham, Jordan Cunningham, Beckham Cothren, William Mercer Cothren, and Hampton Cothren. Also surviving are two brothers: Jerry Hilkemeyer and wife, Pearl, and Larry Hilkemeyer and wife, Donnie, all of Montgomery City, MO; brother-in-law, Michael Cunningham and wife, Kathy, of New Florence, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her Mother and best friend, Dorothy Brandenburg Stumbaugh, and her husband, Jake Stumbaugh; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thomas and Beatrice "Babe" Cunningham; sister-in-law, Rose Bethel and husband, Galen; and brother-in-law, Joe Cunningham.

A Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Montgomery City, MO. Father Augustine Okoli officiated and interment followed in the St. Mary's Cemetery in Montgomery City, MO. Visitation was from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO.  Casketbearers included Mitchell Hilkemeyer, Randy Cunningham, Brad Hilkemeyer, David Hilkemeyer, Thomas Bethel, and Rick Tucker.  Honorary casketbearers included Michael Cunningham, Glen Erwin, and Tom Rothermich.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Montgomery City Public Library or for Masses said in Judy's Honor at the Immaculate Conception Church in Montgomery City, MO, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO   63361.