/Fresno

Norma Dorothy "Jimmey" Cunnings passed away on Friday, October 30, 2009, at the age of 90, after a recent fall caused trauma to her head. Jimmey got her nickname because she was a tomboy and didn't like her given name.

She was born on April 24, 1919, in Carruthers, California to parents Sid and Mamie Harmon. She graduated from Fresno Tech High School in 1937. On March 16, 1941, she married Roy Winfred Cunnings. Jimmey worked in the shipyards during the war, while Roy was in the Navy. They had two children, Darlene and Dennis Cunnings. Then, when they moved to Fresno, they ran a public pool and a gambling room at one time, until they opened Cunnings & Cunnings, a painting business, in 1953. Their company is noted for painting City Hall and the Fresno Water Tower back in the 1970's.

Many people knew what a natural athlete Jimmey was, but didn't know that she was on a women's professional softball team, and was the pitcher for her team! At the age of 32, Jimmey took up her favorite game, golf, when Jimmey and her husband went to a driving range to hit balls. She took a few lessons, then basically taught herself to play golf using the experience from her time as a softball pitcher.

Jimmey and her husband Roy, were founding members of San Joaquin Country Club in Fresno, where they shared many fun times and memories. She was the very first Women's Club Champion at San Joaquin Country Club in 1962. She totals 14 Club Champion wins and nine "hole-in-ones", receiving her last hole-in-one at the age of 85!

She also spent 48 years rating golf courses, including the prestigious Pebble Beach. Jimmey enjoyed all the friendships she made through playing golf and had many fond memories of the Invitationals at different golf courses. Her last round of golf was only a few weeks ago, when she was 90 years old.

She was a very involved grandma and great-grandma in her grandchildren's life. Jimmey started by following her grandson, Blair, to all his college golf tournaments. Then, she came to her great-grandchildren's soccer games and baseball games to cheer them on too. Her presence in their lives will truly be missed.

Jimmey is preceded in death by her parents; her two brothers and sister; and her husband, Roy Cunnings.

She is suvived by her daughter, Darlene Cunnings; her son, Dennis Cunnings and his wife Cara; her five grandchildren; and her nine greatgrandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at San Joaquin Country Club in Fresno on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at 11:00 a.m.

Remembrances may be made to Fresno State Women's Golf Team at 1620 E. Bulldog Lane, Fresno, Ca., 93740, or Hinds Hospice Home at 1416 West Twain, Fresno, Ca., 93711.

NEPTUNE SOCIETY Of Central California 1154 West Shaw Avenue Fresno, Ca. (559)222-7764

Joan Armas-Peterson lost her long battle with cancer at home on Saturday, September 26, 2009, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 10, 1932.

Joan was a strong independent woman who loved travel and adventure. She grew up farming along side her dad, driving tractors and milking cows. In high school she was very active and played saxophone in a swing band, In 1949 she was married to John Armas and had three children. She was a good and fun mom. Joan was in the real estate business for many years both as a salesperson and as a broker. She also did real estate appraisals of farms as well as residential properties. She was an accomplished photographer and painter. On July 19, 2002, she married Charles Peterson and they traveled all of the country in their 5th wheel.

Joan had a good life, full of love, friends, family, travel and adventure.

Joan was preceded in death by her son, Rick Armas; daughter, Cindy Cardoso; her grandson, Michael Tunis; and her sister, Janice Enos.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Peterson; sister, Judy Pritchett; daughter Kathy Salas; and grandchildren, Lesli Gillies, Krista Cardoso, and Matthew Cardoso. She has three great-grandchildren, Caleb Cardoso, and Phoebe and Ian Gillies.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Tranquillity on Thursday, October 1, 2009, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joan's name to Hinds Hospice, 1616 West Shaw Avenue Suite A-5, Fresno, Ca. 93711; the Poverello House, 412 'F' Street, Fresno, Ca. 93706; or the Rick Armas Scholarship Fund, c-o CSUF Foundation, 4910 North Chestnut Avenue, Fresno, Ca. 93726-1852.

JAY CHAPEL 1125 Roberts Avenue Madera, Ca. (559)674-8814 www.jaychapel.com

J.J., as his friends called him, grew up during the hardship of the depression. He proudly served his country during World War II as a medic surviving Omaha Beach. He attended Chicago Medical School and moved to Fresno in 1955 to begin his work as a Urologist. He loved and practiced medicine for over 50 years. He looked at Medicine as his craft, and the opportunity to serve as a privilege. He cherished his medical partnership with his son Bill. His love for family was undeniable and was demonstrated everyday of his life. He is survived by his son, William M. Schiff, M.D., and his wife Patti, and their son, Joey of Friant, Ca.; his daughter, Roberta Schiff Oser and her husband Steve, and their children Hilary, Carley, and Eli of Norfolk, Va.; and his sister, Beatrice Mattenson of Chicago Illinois. A Graveside Service will be held at Beth Israel Cemetery on Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Congregation Beth Jacob, 406 W. Shields Ave., Fresno, Ca. 93705; The Schiff Family Endowment at California State University, Fresno, 2576 E. San Ramon St., ST90, Fresno, Ca. 93740; The Fresno-Madera Medical Society, P.O. Box 28337, Fresno, Ca. 93729; or The Community Medical Foundation 126 N. Fresno St. Fresno, Ca. 93701. LISLE FUNERAL HOME 1605 'L' Street Fresno (559)266-0666