Obituary: Elaine Ann Cunningham

Elaine Ann Cunningham, 57, of Carson City and Spring Creek, passed away on January 28, 2012, following a year-long courageous struggle with cancer.

She was a fourth generation Nevadan and second generation Carsonite.

She was born in Carson City on July 7, 1954 to Ryland and Shirley (Pratt) Cunningham, the eldest of three children. She married Scott Samuelsen on Christmas Day, 1982, at her mother's home in Carson City. She was employed by the State of Nevada, Dept. of Administration, as a Hearing Officer, in Carson City, retiring at the young age of 46.

She was an avid bowler in Carson and Elko leagues and tournaments statewide. She loved fishing at the Ruby Valley Marsh at the foot of the Ruby Mountains in Eastern Nevada.

She was a true lover and caregiver to an array of God's animals, ranging from iquanas to horses, dogs, cats and deer.

While a teenager, she enjoyed several summers with her mom, siblings and other family members at her grandparents "summer home" at Incline Village. It was where she learned to water ski behind Uncle Nick's speed boat and observe large schools of massive Mackinawes swim in nearby Crystal Bay.

She is survived by her husband, Scott Samuelsen; mother, Shirley Cunningham of Carson City; father, Ryland Cunningham of Sparks; brother, Larry Cunningham; sister, Coleen Dhu; niece, Kristen Dhu; uncles, Nick (Oliver) Pratt and Gordon Pratt of Carson City; and numerous cousins.

She was a devoted, loving, caring daughter, wife, sister and helpful friend to many.

God saw she was getting tired,

and a cure was not to be.

So He put His arms around her

and whispered, "Come to me."

A golden heart stopped beating,

hard working hands put to rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us,

He only takes the best.