A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 1, at the Turlock Methodist Church (1660 Arbor Way) for Lorraine Cunningham, 79, of Hughson. She died June 18, 2011 at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson.
Born March 9, 1932 in Empire to Louie and Lena Willson, Lorraine's early years were spent going to Empire Grammar School and Modesto High, where she developed many lifelong friends. At Modesto High School she met Ghyraine "Ham" Cunningham and they married in 1950. Her three children are Kenn, Richard, and Cindy. Lorraine and Ham moved to Hughson in 1954, where they began farming almonds. She raised her children and joined the Hughson Methodist Church, where her community work and faith in God grew. Mrs. Cunningham worked on many projects, such as the formation of the Gratton Pit BBQ and the Parent Resource Center. She served as church secretary for many years, was the bookkeeper for Cunningham Ranch, and served on various boards. In her later years she was a recipient of several awards for her service. At different times she was named a Citizen, Woman, and Volunteer of the Year by various organizations, and she most recently served as the board chair of the Hughson Family Resource Center. Lorraine's most cherished honor, however, was being a mother and grandmother to her family. She also loved playing tennis and caring for all of her animals.
She leaves behind her children Kenn Cunningham, Richard Cunningham and Cindy Gipp; her brother, Marvin Willson of Hughson; her sister, Darlene Wheeler of Brentwood; her grandchildren Sarah and Cooper Gipp; and great-granddaughter Kaylie, Emily Lemings Michael Cunningham. She was preceded in death by parents Louie and Lena Willson, and brothers Kenneth (1929) and Ernie (1962).
Remembrances may be sent to the Hughson Methodist Church, P.O. Box 129, Hughson CA 95326; or to the Hughson Family Resource Center, P.O. Box 264, Hughson, CA 95326. An online guest book is available at www.lakewoodhughson.com.
-Ceres Courier/ June 29, 2011
Born March 9, 1932 in Empire to Louie and Lena Willson, Lorraine's early years were spent going to Empire Grammar School and Modesto High, where she developed many lifelong friends. At Modesto High School she met Ghyraine "Ham" Cunningham and they married in 1950. Her three children are Kenn, Richard, and Cindy. Lorraine and Ham moved to Hughson in 1954, where they began farming almonds. She raised her children and joined the Hughson Methodist Church, where her community work and faith in God grew. Mrs. Cunningham worked on many projects, such as the formation of the Gratton Pit BBQ and the Parent Resource Center. She served as church secretary for many years, was the bookkeeper for Cunningham Ranch, and served on various boards. In her later years she was a recipient of several awards for her service. At different times she was named a Citizen, Woman, and Volunteer of the Year by various organizations, and she most recently served as the board chair of the Hughson Family Resource Center. Lorraine's most cherished honor, however, was being a mother and grandmother to her family. She also loved playing tennis and caring for all of her animals.
She leaves behind her children Kenn Cunningham, Richard Cunningham and Cindy Gipp; her brother, Marvin Willson of Hughson; her sister, Darlene Wheeler of Brentwood; her grandchildren Sarah and Cooper Gipp; and great-granddaughter Kaylie, Emily Lemings Michael Cunningham. She was preceded in death by parents Louie and Lena Willson, and brothers Kenneth (1929) and Ernie (1962).
Remembrances may be sent to the Hughson Methodist Church, P.O. Box 129, Hughson CA 95326; or to the Hughson Family Resource Center, P.O. Box 264, Hughson, CA 95326. An online guest book is available at www.lakewoodhughson.com.
-Ceres Courier/ June 29, 2011
