Juanita Elaine Brammer's Obituary
Juanita Elaine Brammer, age 72, of Centerville, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Centerville Specialty Care in Centerville, IA.
Juanita was born on December 7, 1953 in Fayette, MO to Shirley Rouse and Art Lancaster. She grew up in Columbia, MO and was raised by her parents, Shirley and Donald Palmer. In her teen years she received her GED and began her adult life.
Juanita had a daughter, Melissa, from her first marriage. She married Ron Brammer on February 14, 1975. To this union, he adopted Melissa and they had three daughters, Rachael, Ricki, and Sonia.
Juanita loved music, dancing, playing pool, and being around friends. She was a singer in a band in her younger years and spent many years playing in local pool leagues. She was also a competitor in Monster Arm Wrestling for years, bringing home many winning plaques and trophies. Throughout her life she held many positions including waitressing, dry cleaning, prison guard, and a homemaker. Juanita was an avid crossword puzzle and Bingo scratch off ticket fan. You would always find them within her reach.
Juanita is survived by her four daughters- Melissa Zanders of Des Moines, IA, Rachael Salstrand and Ricki Brammer of Centerville, IA, and Sonia Smith of Ottumwa, IA. Ten grandchildren: Nicholas Bradley, Keisha (Jared) Jaeger, TJ (Jordan) Medina, Trevor Medina, Jordan (Doug) Karlinsey, Anthony (Payton) Terrell, Cody (Maddi) Templeton, Emily (Nick) Lane, Trayton (Sam) Smith, Tatum Smith, and many great-grandchildren. A brother, Donald (Sara) Palmer and a sister, Jackie (Kirk) Besgrove, both of Fayette, MO.
She was preceded in death by her parents, ex-husband Ron Brammer, a granddaughter Ashley Bradley, and twin great-grandsons, Rhett and Riot Medina.
Per wishes, cremation has been accorded and there will be no services at this time. Memorials have been established to Ricki Brammer, to be designated at a later date, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Brammer Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
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