January 30, 2026

Linn County News

Published February 4, 2026

Viola May “Budd” (Cunningham) Ralston, age 92, of Parker, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at her home. Viola was born Feb. 4, 1933, in Garnett, Kan. She was one of nine children born to Ora Elmer and Ida Esther (Williams) Cunningham. She grew up in the Lane and Greeley, Kan., areas, where she developed strong family ties that remained important to her throughout her life. Viola was the proud mother of four children: Donna Sue, Donald Eugene, Peggy, and Richard. She was employed at the Sunflower Ammunition Plant and later at Continental Can, where she worked for many years until her retirement.

In her younger years, Viola enjoyed playing horseshoes with her brothers and spending time with family. She was a devoted football fan, especially cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and greatly enjoyed watching games. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Roy Cunningham, Gene Cunningham, Ray Cunningham, and Charles Cunningham; and her sisters Myrtle Gallick, Laura Becker, Mary Damman, and Doris Barrett. Survivors include her children: Donna Kamara of Tulsa, Okla.; Donald Ralston of Maple Heights, Ohio; Peggy Ralston of Emporia, Kan.; and Richard Ralston of Higbee, Mo. She is also survived by five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Burial was at Greeley City Cemetery.