RE/MAX Ek Real Estate agent and United Way of The Flint Hills Interim Board Chair Lynn Cunningham died Thursday.
RE/MAX Ek Real Estate co-owner Jeff Kitselman says Cunningham was returning from a week-long training session in Denver when she was involved in a single-vehicle wreck. Other details are pending.
In a statement released Friday morning, United Way Executive Director Daphne Mertens says Cunningham was not only a dedicated leader but also a beacon of support and kindness.
Cunningham had over 20 years of banking, mortgage lending, and real estate experience and moved to Emporia in 2014. Cunningham was the ‘voice’ of the Girl Scouts handling all the media in Lyon, Chase, and 13 other Kansas counties.
Cunningham was also a Boy Scout Merit Badge Counselor, Eagle Board Advisor, and District Committee Chair. Cunningham was a former president of the Chase County Chamber of Commerce and was on the Crosswinds Counseling & Wellness fundraising campaign. Cunningham was also an owner of The Splash Pad which opened up earlier this year.
Cunningham was the United Way’s Drive Chair for the 2023-24 campaign which raised almost $500,000.
Funeral services are pending.
Statement from Aaron Sewell, RE/MAX Ek Real Estate Co-Owner
“It is with great sadness that I inform our Realtor family and community that we lost Lynn Cunningham late yesterday afternoon on her way back from Denver. I do not know any more details at this time other than it was a single car accident and that she was by herself. Please keep her, her family, her friends, and her colleagues in your thoughts and prayers. She was more than a friend to all of us here, a mother, a grandmother, a wife, a community steward, and was truly a great human being that has left us way too soon. I will share more information as the family releases it in the coming days.”
Statement from Daphne Mertens, United Way of the Flint Hills Executive Director
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of our interim board chair, Lynn Cunningham, who left us yesterday. Lynn’s sudden departure is a profound loss to us all, and we join together in mourning a remarkable individual who touched so many lives.
“Lynn was not only a dedicated leader but also a beacon of support and kindness. Her contributions to our board were immeasurable, and her unwavering commitment to our mission inspired us all. From her work with United Way of the Flint Hills and her willingness to step up to help in every situation, Lynn exemplified what it means to lead with compassion, integrity, and an unyielding sense of purpose.
“Her spirit was a guiding light, and her beautiful soul will be deeply missed. Lynn had a unique ability to make everyone feel valued and heard. She always went above and beyond to ensure that our board operated with the utmost efficiency and harmony. Her legacy is one of dedication, generosity, and an unshakeable belief in the power of community.
“As we navigate this difficult time, let us remember Lynn for the incredible person she was and honor her memory by continuing the work she was so passionate about. We will find ways to commemorate her contributions and ensure that her spirit lives on in the initiatives and projects she held dear.
“Outside of her role with the board, I considered Lynn a friend, mentor, and advisor. She was an incredible human being who I will sorely miss.
“Please join me in extending our deepest condolences to Lynn’s family and friends. Let us also take a moment to reflect on the ways she touched our lives and the positive impact she made on our organization and the wider community.”
