John Gerard

John Gerard

John Gerard Cunningham

John (Jerry) Gerard Cunningham passed peacefully in his sleep at “The Ranch” Hospice Care in Verdi, Nev. He was born on Sept. 11, 1926 in Haverhill, Mass. Jerry left school at the age of 17 and in 1943, with the permission of his mother, Gertrude, and his father, Jack, joined the Navy in Boston. He served in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After retiring from the Navy in the 1960’s, Jerry worked for the Bendix Corp at Cape Kennedy, Fla. on the Apollo “Man on the Moon” program.

In the late 1970’s he was introduced to Jeanette Billings by his brother and sister in law, USN Retired Lt. Comm. Larry and Hilda Cunningham, who had been stationed at Hawthorne Army Depot. Jerry and Jeanette were married in 1978 when he moved to Hawthorne.

He spent many wonderful years with Jeanette in Hawthorne. During his life in Hawthorne, Jerry worked at DZB and the Naval detachment. After retiring from the base (HWAD) he was elected constable and served for six years. He also joined the local ELKS Chapter, BPOE 1706 and served one year as their Exhalted Ruler.

In retirement Jerry stayed active in the ELKS. He enjoyed gardening and growing vegetables. He and Jeanette spent many enjoyable years traveling in their RV from coast to coast and wintering in Mexico.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Jeanette; his brother, Larry Cunningham (Hilda); his daughters: Kathleen Liederman (Walter), Maureen Cunningham (Walter); Nancy Velasquez (Craig) and his sons: Jack Cunningham (Cindy), Charles Billings (Shelby), Howard and Walter Shinn.

He is loved by all and will be dearly missed.

Services to be announced at a later date.

Susan Wanda Franklin Penrod

Susan Wanda Franklin Penrod

Susan Wanda Franklin Penrod

On Wednesday, Oct. 19, our amazing wife, mother, sister, aunt, “Granny”,” GG” and friend, Susan Wanda Franklin Penrod, went to be with Jesus.

She was born in Reno on June 20, 1946 to Arlene Boerlin Franklin and biological father, John Franklin. Arlene married Will McKenzie in 1947 and he was who Susie called Daddy. She was raised in Hawthorne.

She met her soul mate, Dwain Penrod, at the age of 11 and married him at the age 16 on April 12, 1963. She was very happy to have proven to all who tried to tell her that her marriage wouldn’t last that it was still going strong 53 ½ years later.

After they were married, Susie and Dwain lived in Hawthorne and then in Henderson and after having their first child, Christine Claire, in August, 1964, moved to Elko. In July, 1967, their son, Ty Dwain was born.

In 1970, Susie was invited to attend Calvary Baptist Church by a next door neighbor. In the spring of 1971, she asked Jesus to become the Lord of her life and that was the beginning of her remarkable journey with Him. Susie became the treasurer of Calvary in 1972 and remained serving in that capacity until earlier this year when she was diagnosed with cancer.

Her ultimate joy was spending time with her family whenever possible, but especially at Sunday lunches after attending Sunday School and church. Birthdays, barbeques, Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas mornings were some of her most favorite times.

She is survived by her husband Dwain; children Christine Bair (Brad); Ty Penrod (Candace; grandchildren: Bo Nelson (Megan), Sheila Staszak (Greg), Shelby Nelson, Zachary Penrod (Lani) and Caleb Penrod; four great grandchildren with two on the way; sister, Jane Franklin; numerous nieces; nephews and many step- grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.

There was a celebration of the wonderful life of Susie on Friday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, Elko. Susie specifically asked that people do not wear black clothing to her celebration.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in her name to Calvary Baptist Church, or to Hope Lodge in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Nick J. Talamante

Nick J. Talamante was born on Nov. 28, 1951 in Hawthorne at Mount Grant General Hospital to his parents Nick and Connie Talamante. Nick lived in Hawthorne for most of his life. Moving to Fallon in 2006 and was currently living in Carson City. Nick knew everyone in Hawthorne and had the ability to talk to everyone who he met and had many friends throughout his life. He had a great love for his telephone and he enjoyed his time with Special Olympics winning medals which always a plus for Nick.

Nick was preceded in death by his father and mother, Nick and Connie Talamante; sisters: Angela and Ida. Nick is survived by his sisters: Roseann Swanger, Helen (Virgil) Courneya, Madeline Torres and Teresa Gonzales. Nick is survived by many nieces and nephews as well as great and great-great nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank everyone who gave care for Nick during his time of illness. He was a fighter to end and will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations to honor Nick’s memory may be made to Special Olympics.

Viewing will be held on Monday, Nov. 14 from 5-7 p.m. at Autumn Funerals & Cremations. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 9:30 a.m. at St Teresa’s Catholic Church in Carson City with burial to follow at Hawthorne Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the trusted care of Autumn Funerals & Cremations, Carson City.