Beloved Utah Matriarch Frances Blackham Cunningham Passes Away at 94

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Frances Blackham Cunningham, a lifelong resident of Price, Utah and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away on February 23, 2026 at the age of 94. Cunningham is remembered for her deep religious faith, love of music and learning, and dedication to her large family of 11 children, 38 grandchildren, 92 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

Why it matters

Cunningham's passing marks the end of an era for a prominent Utah family with deep roots in the local community. As a devout Mormon and longtime temple worker, she exemplified the values of faith, family, and service that are central to the culture of many small towns in the American West.

The details

Cunningham was born in 1931 in Kenilworth, Utah to Lester and Frances Smyth Blackham. She married her husband Harold in 1950 and together they raised their 11 children in Spring Glen. In addition to her family duties, Cunningham served in numerous church leadership positions over the years and spent 10 years as a humanitarian missionary in India and Singapore with her husband.

• Cunningham passed away on February 23, 2026.
• Her graveside service is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. in the Price City Cemetery.

What’s next

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 (noon) at Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street) in Price prior to traveling to the cemetery for the graveside service.