Juanita White Keffer

Juanita White Keffer, 96 ESCONDIDO -- Juanita White Keffer, 96, passed away peacefully Friday, Feb. 15, 2008. She was born Feb. 26, 1911, she would have been 97. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend Juanita White Keffer Juanita called Escondido her home for the last 50 years. Her pioneer roots began in southern Oklahoma, where she was born in a small three-room farmhouse. Juanita's love for learning was evident from the start, participating in Drama and 4H Clubs, and showing her mastery with words on the Debate Team, a bold activity for a young woman in her day. After finishing high school, Juanita attended Oklahoma A&M where she met the love of her life, Melvin Park Keffer, on the first day of her freshman term. They were married on July 21, 1933. Juanita could tell you that the family had lived in nine different states and 35 different homes as they made their way to the Navajo Indian Reservation in Fort Defiance, Ariz. where they both worked as teachers. In the late 1958, the Keffers moved to Escondido, continuing their teaching careers. Juanita enjoyed nearly 20 years of teaching second grade for the Vista School District, retiring, along with her husband, in 1976. Both Juanita and Melvin were recipients of the honored WHO Award for Outstanding Performance in the teaching profession. Upon retirement, Juanita and Melvin traveled extensively. In 1992, Melvin's health made it necessary to simplify life by moving to a smaller home at Redwood Terrace in Escondido. Juanita's beloved husband Melvin, returned to the Lord Feb. 6, 2000. They celebrated nearly 67 years of marriage. Juanita had her sights set on living to be a hundred. She packed far more than 100 years of living into her nearly 97 years. She spent her last years traveling with her daughters, making a return to her roots with her son, and getting to hold and see the smile on the face of her first great-granddaughter. Those left behind to honor her life and memory are her daughters, Melvita Chicone of San Diego, Phoebe (Charles) Gentis of Corona; son, James (Sharon) Keffer of La Mesa; grandsons, Shane and Tyler Gentis of Corona; granddaughter, Desiree (David) Shaw of LaVerne; granddaughters, Jenna and Emeri Keffer of La Mesa; and new great granddaughter, Autumn Shaw also of LaVerne. Her body was donated to Loma Linda University School of Medical Science for research. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at Redwood Terrace, 710 W.13th Ave. in Escondido. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice, in memory of Juanita Keffer. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com