Shirley (Fitzsimmons) Cunningham was born April 23, 1933, at Coats, Kansas. At the
  age of 8 she moved from Coats to the Fitzsimmons farm 5 miles west and 1 1/2 miles
  north of Medicine Lodge with her parents, the late C.R. and Hattie Fitzsimmons, and
  her brother Eugene. Her sister, Rosalie (Mrs. Bud Alexander) was married by that time
  so remained on a farm south of Coats.
     Shirley attended Medicine Lodge schools and was active in 4-H and church activities.
  In 1949 she met Melvin Cunningham, and they were married January 20, 1951. Since they
  were both seniors, she transferred to Isabel, and they attended school together and
  graduated in May, 1951, from Isabel High School. They established their home 2 miles
  west of Medicine Lodge where they still reside.
     Melvin worked with his father-in-law in the farming enterprise until his father-in-
  law's death Aug. 26, 1954. He then farmed part-time and worked for Lodge Chevrolet for
  12 years. After renting more land in 1971, he went to full-time farming.
     Shirley worked as school secretary in the Primary School at Medicine Lodge for 17
  years. In JUne, 1978, she resigned to be able to spend more time at home and to enjoy
  the two grandchildren that were due in August.
     Melvin and Shirley were blessed with four children, James Melvin, born May 17, 1952;
  Cecil Rodney born October 13, 1953; Susan Melinda born Feb. 2, 1955; and Cynthia Dawn
  born Aug. 28, 1956.
     Jim graduated from Medicine Lodge High School in 1971 and is employed  by Clarke
  Oilfield Service.
     Rod graduated from Medicine Lodge High School in 1971 also, and attended Pratt Juco
  for 2 years and is associated in the farming business with his father. He married Karen
  Bell, daughter of Gene and Marilyn Bell, February 26, 1977, and they reside on a farm
  just west of Medicine Lodge. They have a son Ryan Nicolas, and a daughter Julie.
     Susan graduated in 1973 and is employed by the Medicine Lodge Hospital. She and her
  husband, Pat McCullough, were married October 26, 1976, and live 1 1/2 mile west of
  town. Pat and his father, Jim McCullough, are engaged in farming.
     Cindy graduated in 1974, attended Pratt Juco a year, and married Don Clough of Preston,
  Octover 12, 1976. They have a daughter, Amanda Nicholle.
     The Cunningham family have been active in 4-H and church activities in the community
  and were the Kansas Farm Home Administration Family of the Year in 1975. 
                 
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas,  pg. 147