Obituaries

Amy "Gean" Stuckey (74)

Amy "Gean" Stuckey (74) passed away suddenly on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at the age of 74. She was born on July 31, 1938 in Hollister, CA and a resident of Madera, CA for the past 70 years. Gean was a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Amy Bartley and her grandson Kevin Pira.

James E Fry, Sr. (78)

James E Fry, Sr. (78) died on Monday, July 30, 2012, after a year long battle with brain cancer. Jim was born in Philadelphia, Pa. to the late Clayton Joseph Fry and Edith Brendlinger Fry in 1934. His parents, younger brother and two sisters moved from the east coast to Fresno after World War II. His two older brothers would join the family in Fresno after being honorably discharged from the United States Navy.

Jim graduated from Roosevelt High School. Jim married Frances Elizabeth Newberry in 1954. The couple had two sons. The couple separated in 1998.

Jim worked as a brick mason for several years before injuring his back. His work is on display all over the Fresno area, but most notably the Three Little Pigs display at "Storyland" in Roeding Park. He went on to a career as a real estate agent/broker for over 40 years.

Local Realtor Nora Salazar Dies at 77

MADERA - No one brought more joy to Nora Salazar's family than their beloved mother. Nora had an independent spirit that qualified her as "a woman ahead of her time". She was a mother insisted on working after her children were born. Instead of being greeted with cookies and milk after school, she greeted her kids with a list of chores and directions for dinner, hence she prepared her daughters for life. She was a mother was spontaneous and her fmaily recalls many weekends when she simply said "grab your suits and one friend, we're heading for the beach!"

She traveled extensively with her husband Raul and together they created many memories golfing, shopping and visiting famous sites. During her lifetime, she was the foundation and backbone of her family, remembering birthdays and special occasions by sending cards with personal messages. Because she loved Madera, she was very supportive of local businesses and encouraged us to shop, eat and get involved. Examples of her involvement include being our room mother for all the years we attended John Adams and holding officer positions with the PTA.

Leighton Miller: Founder of Leighton's Jewelers Dies at 86

Leighton Miller was born Oct. 3, 1925 in Cullman, Alabama and passed away, Monday, May 21, 2012 in Madera, CA. He was the youngest child of Columbus Jackson and Minnie Miller. He had an older brother, Rother and sister Doris. When he was 3 years old his family moved to Madera after his family decided they had experienced their last tornado.

Leighton started school at Alpha Elementary, wearing his favorite striped bib-overalls every day. When he transferred to Lincoln Elementary his classmates made fun of his overalls. He returned to school wearing long pants like everyone else.

Earl Miracle (70)

Earl Miracle, age 70, a native of Speedwell, TN and a resident of Madera, CA for 34 years passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at his Madera home. He was a real estate salesman in Madera for 30 years. Earl was a veteran in the U.S. Army serving in the Vietnam War and he enjoyed hunting, fishing and cooking.

Earl was preceded in death by his brothers: Bill & Wayland Miracle.