Ann (Recker) Cunningham 

January 15, 1938 – October 13, 2026

OTTAWA - Margaret "Ann" (Recker) Cunningham, 88, of Ottawa, Ohio, died at 4:15 a.m. on October 13, 2026, at The Meadows of Ottawa. Ann was a distinguished attorney and jurist who made history as the first woman judge in Putnam County.

Ann was born on January 15, 1938, at St. Rita's Hospital in Lima, Ohio, to Claude and Helen (Spurlock) Recker of Ottawa. She graduated from SS. Peter & Paul High School in Ottawa in 1956 and earned her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University in 1960. On November 28, 1964, she married Paul Cunningham, who preceded her in death on March 28, 2008. She went on to earn her law degree from Ohio Northern University Law School in Ada on June 11, 1967.

Ann began her legal career as assistant prosecutor, a post she held from 1968 to 1972, while also building a private practice. She practiced first alongside her father, Claude Recker, then with her husband, Paul H. Cunningham, and later with her son, Matt Cunningham. On February 12, 1985, she was sworn in as the first woman judge in Putnam County, Ohio. She served on the bench until her retirement on January 31, 2005.

Ann was dedicated to her profession and her community. She was a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and served the Putnam County Bar Association as President, Secretary, and Treasurer. She served on the Ohio Governor's Committees on traffic safety and gender law, and spent seven years on the Putnam County Mental Health Board. Her other affiliations included the Putnam County Ohio State University Alumni Association, the legal sorority Kappa Beta Phi, Business & Professional Women's Association (BPW), the OSU President's Club, Leipsic Eagles, Indian Lake Eagles, Indian Lake Moose Lodge, and Elks Lodge 54. A woman of faith, she was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ottawa and St. John Vianney Catholic Church in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

Ann was an avid fan of Ohio State football and basketball, and she attended the Kentucky Derby 45 years in a row. She loved to read and to play blackjack in Las Vegas. Above all, she was a kind and loving mother, grandmother, and supportive wife. She will be remembered for her incredible compassion, her ability to entertain, and the joy she brought to everyone around her.

Ann is survived by her son, Matthew (Tammi Diemer) Cunningham of Ottawa, OH; her daughter, Amy Szentes (Scott) of Carmel, IN; and three grandchildren, Monica Szentes of Paducah, KY, and Will and Marissa Szentes of Carmel, IN; bonus grandson, Jacob Flores; bonus great-grandchildren: Penelope Flores and Milo Flores. She is also survived by her sisters, Sue Like of Naples, FL, Jean Moore of Austin, TX, and Linda Coleman of Toledo, OH; her brother-in-law, Dr. John Cunningham of Columbus, OH; and her special friends: April Patino and Maia Rutter.

Friends may call on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 2 to 8 PM and 9 to 10 AM on Saturday at LOVE FUNERAL HOME in Ottawa. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 320 N. Locust St., Ottawa. Burial will follow immediately at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery, 867 W. Main Street (State Route 224/US 224), Ottawa. Family and friends are warmly invited to a luncheon following the burial at the Ottawa Eagles.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sts. Peter & Paul Foundation or Boy Scout Troop #224, Ottawa, Ohio.