Lola was born April 4 ^th , 1939, in Circleville, Ohio. Lola was of Puerto Rican and German descent, with a beautiful heart and a creative spirit. She married the love of her life, Everett Cunningham in Indiana, and raised beautiful twins, Tim and Angela. The Cunningham's resided in Southern California where Lola worked as an estate chef for the San Diego Chargers, before moving to Northern Arizona. Lola's love for her family was obvious to those who knew her, as was her passion for cooking and baking.

Lola's passion for cooking, led to the opening of Lola J's Mexican Café in 1990, when the Cunningham family moved to Flagstaff. As chef and co-owner of the Hispanic-inspired cuisine, Lola ensured the food was prepared in the highest standards, delicious and visually appealing. Lola J's Mexican Cafe was located in historic downtown Flagstaff and commonly had a line of customers waiting to savor the delicious food.

If you have had the privilege of tasting her son Tim's salsa and/or food, you get the idea of, how incredible the menu at Lola's J's Mexican Cafe. Determined to spend more time with her family, Lola stepped away from the restaurant industry and accepted a position of cook for the Parks School District.

Everett and Lola would continue to make their way East to Belen, New Mexico where they would retire and practice their Christian faith, before making their way back to Arizona to be closer to their beloved children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Lola was caring, funny, nurturing and creative, her laugh was an infectious joyful laugh that traveled from room to room. She spent hours cooking delicious food and sharing her cooking techniques with her family and anyone who wanted to learn. In addition to cooking, Lola was a fantastic baker. At Christmas time she would make an assortment of baked goods which included Wedding Cookies, Fudge, and Chocolate cookies; to name a few. Obviously, made with love and festively packed for the enjoyment of her family and friends.

It would be no surprise to those that knew her when she created her own cookbook. Amongst cooking and baking, she designed jewelry and was also an avid crafter, and a painter, as her creativity knew no bounds. On a side note, Lola and Everett also owned, 2 thoroughbred race horses and enjoyed seeing them race in Southern California.

Lola, 83, passed away surrounded by her loving husband Everett, their children and grandchildren in Camp Verde, Arizona on November 28, 2022. While we wish for more time with her, we know she is without pain, and joyfully in the presence of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. We hold close the memories, the recipes and even more, the great love she had for her family. Her memory will forever live on in our hearts. We are so grateful your support, your words of encouragement and prayers during this time.

A memorial service is scheduled Friday, Dec 2 ^nd at the Norvel Owens Mortuary at 10:00AM, 914 E. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ.

Burial following the service at Citizens Cemetery, 1300 S. San Francisco Street, Flagstaff, AZ. Reception at Presence Church Ministry Center, 5200 E. Cortland Blvd, Suite B5, Flagstaff, AZ.