Paula Kay Cunningham, 73, of West Burlington, Iowa, passed away at 9:40 p.m. Friday, August 28, 2026 at the Klein Center in West Burlington.

Paula was born July 4, 1953 in LaHarpe, Illinois, the daughter of Kemper and Olka (Thrapp) Cunningham.

Paula was a 1971 graduate of Burlington High School. Shortly after high school, she was employed for a few years at Leopold Desk Company in Burlington, before beginning a 35 year career with USG in Burlington. She also tended bar at the VFW and Hot Toddies in Burlington for many years.

She was a member of the Burlington Eagles Club, ABATE of Iowa District 18 and the Burlington VFW Auxiliary, where she was currently serving as trustee. Paula enjoyed fishing, camping, attending sprint car races, playing cards and playing pool. She was a past winner of the Burlington City Pool League. She was a lover of animals and rescued many shelter animals in her life.

Survivors include one son: Shane Litton of West Burlington, Iowa; one sister-in-law: Carol Cunningham of Lomax, Illinois, one niece: Theresa Middleton; one nephew: Rod Cunningham and several great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother: Max Cunningham and one sister: Carol Kurth.

The funeral service for Paula will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City. Burial will follow at Crane Cemetery, near Lomax.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until time of services Thursday, September 3, 2026 at the funeral home.

A memorial fund has been established for the American Cancer Society or the ALS Association. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Paula’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.