Tributes

Barbara Jane Cook Nunez, age 95, passed away in her sleep in Coalinga on March 22, 2016. She was born in Anaheim, California to Earl Jackson Cook and Irene Newell Cook on May 17, 1920. She was the oldest of three children. Her sister, Ruth Cook Osier, and brother, Stanley Cook, predeceased her. Barbara was raised in Aliso Canyon in Orange County, California. She went to elementary school in a two room school in El Toro, in what is now Lake Forest. She graduated from Tustin High School and Santa Ana Junior College. Her father, Jack Cook, was a farmer until the mid-1940s when he opened Cook’s Corner, which has become an Orange County landmark. At Santa Ana Junior College, Barbara met Jim Nunez and they were married in September, 1940. In 1942 they moved to Coalinga and lived on a ranch in Los Gatos Canyon that Jim’s father had homesteaded. Jim passed away on December 16, 2001. Barbara and Jim were members of the Coalinga Grange and Barbara was a long-time, active member of Native Daughters of the Golden West, Coalinga Parlor #270. Barbara was known for the delicious enchiladas, pinto beans, and lemon jello cake she contributed to many potlucks and brandings over the years. During World War II Barbara worked as a pumper for Standard Oil Company. Later, for almost twenty years, she worked as a secretary at Folsom Construction Company and Owl Folsom Rock Company until she retired. Barbara is survived by her son, Miguel Nunez, of Coalinga; her daughter, Janine Nunez Robinette, of Monterey; and two granddaughters, Lauren (Paul) Sobaje of Athens, Georgia; and Andrea Robinette of Monterey. She leaves three greatgrandchildren, Sosi, Ben, and Ella Sobaje. She loved and was always supportive of her family, and will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank Gaydean Armstrong and Misty Canales for the loving care they provided Barbara for more than seven years. At her request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Barbara’s memory to Coalinga Elks Lodge #1613, 200 Cambridge Avenue, Coalinga 93210 or to the Alzheimer’s Association – Northern California and Northern Nevada Chapter, 2290 North First Street, Suite 101, San Jose, CA 95131.

Tributes

Barbara Jane Nunez

May 17, 1920 - March 22, 2016