Juanita Staley Obituary's Obituary
Juanita Staley, 88, of Centerville, was received into the arms of God the Father almighty on March 17, 2012. Juanita Anderson Staley was born April 22, 1923 to Glen and Grace Anderson of Davis County, Iowa. Juanita grew up in a lively household with her sisters Ethel, Helen, Alice, Gertrude, Joanne, and brothers Clarence and Jay. Some of her favorite memories included riding on her father's horse drawn sled, riding in Uncle Spicer's convertible, and enjoying her mother's good cooking. On August 30, 1939 she married Gerald Staley in Unionville MO. Gerald and Juanita farmed east of Centerville and raised four children - Ronald, Beverly, Randy, and Debra. She was a devoted wife, mother, and 'farmhand', often helping with some of the truck driving during harvest time. During the 70's Juanita worked at and then owned a children's clothing store in uptown Centerville, Staley's Tots to Teens, and it was her great joy to gift her grandchildren with new 'back to school' outfits each fall. Juanita enjoyed traveling, treasuring early family trips to Arizona and Colorado and later to London to visit her youngest son and his wife. After she and Gerald retired, they enjoyed spending winter months in Arizona and Florida. They spent many happy days in Apache Junction, where Juanita enjoyed her outdoor patio, and crafts classes as well as volunteer work at the local women's shelter. An avid quilter, Juanita made wedding and baby quilts for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Juanita was an avid letter writer for most of her life, and kept in touch with many loved ones regularly. Although her children and grandchildren's families moved to all corners of the country and even to England, Juanita and Gerald were central figures in family reunions for holidays, birthdays, and summer fun, resulting in a far-flung but closely knit 'Staley clan' that continues these traditions. Juanita found comfort and inspiration in her everyday reading of her Bible, and she instilled her faith in Jesus into all her children and grandchildren. She and Gerald were lifelong members of Grace Tabernacle Baptist Church in Centerville, and their family will always hold so many fond memories of time spent worshiping and learning there. In her later years, under the care of the Centerville Nursing and Rehab Center, Juanita still enjoyed many activities, such as singing Christmas carols and visits from dear friends and family. A smart and strong minded woman with a good sense of humor, Juanita's caring words and actions will always be most fondly remembered. Her strength, her faith, and her appreciation of nature - from an ice-covered field to a well-nourished tomato plant or flowerâ?¦taught us all to always appreciate the joy of each new season. Juanita was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 70 years, Gerald; her parents, sister Marguerite, infant daughter Janet, and beloved son Ronald. She is survived by her brother Clarence of Centerville, son Randall (Maggie) Staley of Essex, England, daughters Beverly (Jim) Moyer of Marco Island, FL, and Debra (John) Eurom of Jacksonville, FL, and daughter-in-law Sheri Staley Weaver of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She is also survived by her grandchildren Rhondi (Dale) Ewing of Thousand Oaks, CA, Traci (Robert) Jarvis of Marion, IA; Tami (Steve) Ketchum of Cedar Rapids, IA; Darci (Bill) Hood of Reasnor, IA, Jonathan Staley and Ellie Staley of London, England; David (Amy) Dudley of Centerville, Beth (Steve) Moore of Norwalk, IA; Joshua Eurom of Lynwood, WA and Philip Eurom of Centerville. Juanita also has fifteen great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday March 20, 2012 at Thomas Funeral Home. Visitation will be all day Monday with the family present from 6-8 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home. Interment will be in Mt. Ararat Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Camp Appanoose which may be left at or mailed to Thomas Funeral Home - 23548 Hwy 5 - PO Box 125 - Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences and video may be shared at www.thomasfh.com. Book Travel to Services To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Juanita Staley Obituary please visit our Sympathy Store.
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