Obituary: Patricia Cunningham

Patricia (Patty) Ann Laib Cunningham, 67, died peacefully at her Carson City home on September 10, 2012. She was born May 9, 1945 in Twin Falls, Idaho to Florence Renken Fusselman Laib and John Laib. Her entire childhood was an idyllic one, happily and loudly shared with her sister and four brothers; she dearly loved Idaho, graduating from Twin Falls Senior High School in 1963.

For as much as she loved Idaho, she loved LeRoy Cunningham more; she and LeRoy married October 11, 1963 and made Carson City their forever home. Their marriage was loud and happy, too, filled with Patty's infectious laughter, LeRoy's practical jokes, and the rambunctious joy of their two daughters, Lora and Angela.

Although Patty's priorities were her husband, home, and family, she also did bookkeeping for LeRoy's various businesses. Later she worked at Garden America in Carson City until the business relocated to Texas.

Her darling LeRoy died on October 7, 2011, after a long illness, leaving Patty to start her life again without him. She was thrilled to start classes this semester at Western Nevada College, even nervously buying a laptop; her thumb drive reflected her joy, the sole entry reading "This is the time of my life."

In addition to LeRoy, Patty was predeceased by her father, John; mother, Florence; brother, Donald Laib; nephew, Todd Wayne Laib and niece, Cindy Laib Childs. She is survived by her daughters, Lora (Jim) of Gardnerville; Angela (Mark) of Winnemucca, step-children, Jeff (Joyce) of Carson City; Glen (Julee) of Washington; and Julie Ann of Oregon. She also leaves 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; brothers, Duane (Sally) of Idaho; Paul of Idaho and Bob of Idaho, and sister, Betty also of Idaho; and many nephews and nieces.

Patty touched everyone with her nurturing, loving and accepting ways she lived every day of her life. Her strength and optimism will encourage the family and carry us through this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Patty by donating to your favorite charity. The family will hold a private memorial service in Nevada and later a second one in Idaho for family and friends.