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BORN

1952

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Alamogordo Funeral Home - Alamogordo

2301 E 1st St

Alamogordo, New Mexico

Juanita Whiteside Obituary


Juanita Kay Whiteside was born on June 30, 1952 and passed away August 13, 2015 after a long courageous battle against breast cancer surrounded by her family.

Juanita was preceded in death by her mother, Dolores "Lee" Petty, her father, James Henry Petty, her two brothers Jimmy and Johnny Harris and her beloved dog, Bree.

She is survived by her loving husband Steve, her beloved son Mike Whiteside and his wife Laura, her beloved daughter Pamela Whiteside, her sisters Pat Whiteside and husband Jeff, Wanda Wurtz and husband Tom, her precious grandchildren Tallon and Cameron Whiteside, mother in law and father in law Wanda and Don Whiteside, her sister in law Lesley Christien and husband Steve, her nieces Angela Powell, Shannon Mikesell, Heather Whiteside, Jennifer Vickery, June Harris, Lisa Perry and Lori Lazorishak, her nephews Gary and Chris Wurtz and Drew Christien and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Juanita was a lifelong resident of Alamogordo. She was a 1970 graduate of Alamogordo High School.
On October 2, 1971, Juanita married her soul mate and love of her life, Steve Whiteside. They had two children together, Michael and Pamela. At an early age Juanita's mom introduced her to the credit union life, helping out and attending annual meetings and grand openings. January 28, 1980, Juanita officially began her career with the credit union as a trainee. From that time on Juanita held the positions of Member Service Representative, Loan Officer, Loan Supervisor, Office Manager, Assistant General Manager and Vice President. Four years after Juanita graduated from Western CUNA Management School with honors she assumed the position of President and CEO on January 1, 2002. She was a member of the Credit Union Association of NM board and was currently serving on the CUANM Governmental Affairs Committee since 2013 and had been serving on the NM Education Foundation since 2009. Juanita was also on the Chamber of Commerce board and was recognized as an Honorary Wing Commander with Holloman Air Force Base serving as a Chamber Ambassador, Committee of Fifty member and Otero County of Economic Development Committee. Juanita's career and OFCU family held a very special place in her heart.

Juanita had the most caring, intelligent, kind, loving and compassionate soul. Her laugh was contagious and her smile was beautiful.
Juanita loved Christmas. At Christmas, people become friendlier to one another, smile more, are more generous and gracious, considerate, thoughtful and loving to others. These are the qualities Juanita exuded every single day of her life which makes it fitting that Christmas was her favorite. Juanita loved God and her family. Her family meant more to her than anything on this side of heaven. Her bond with her sisters was unbreakable. Their relationship was above blood relation, it was a unity heaven made. Juanita enjoyed every second with her sisters whether it was shopping, traveling to Las Vegas or simply being with them to wipe each other's tears or laughing and loving together.

Juanita loved Mike and Pam with every ounce of her being. They were her God given angels whom she cherished with all of her heart, her absolute pride and joy. She taught them strength, confidence, morals and, most importantly, unconditional love. Pam calls her mom her best friend who gave the best hugs.

Juanita loved watching her grandchildren grow and would give them the world if she could. Juanita's relationship with her husband Steve was one of a kind and something to be envied. Juanita was Steve's whole life and his reason for living. They did absolutely everything together from gardening, traveling, shopping and building not just a house but a home together. Steve took his vows "through sickness and health" seriously and never left Juanita's side, battling right along with her as she bravely fought against cancer. Juanita was Steve's angel here on earth. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.

The family would like to thank all those who prayed for her and were there for her. A special thank you to her team of nurses and doctors who took care of her.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 20, 2015 from 5-7 p.m. at the Alamogordo Funeral Home. Services will be held Friday, August 21, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church at 1316 Scenic Dr. Burial will follow at Monte Vista Cemetery. A reception will follow graveside services at Bethel Baptist Church.

Pallbearers will be Mike Whiteside, Tallon Whiteside, Jeff Whiteside, Bill Mikesell, Tommy Wurtz and Mike Drunzer.
Honorary pallbearers will be the OFCU Executive Management Team, the OFCU Board of Directors, the OFCU Supervisory Committee, Amy Graham, Ana Macias, Jinnie Jackson, Diane Lindsay, Heather Podhajecki and Dr. Korec.

The family asks that any memorial contributions be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
In honor of Juanita, love another and live life to its fullest.

The Whiteside family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the services.
To sign the online register book, please visit www.alamogordofuneralhome.org

Published by Alamogordo Daily News from Aug. 18 to Sep. 17, 2015.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Juanita Whiteside

Not sure what to say?





Momma, you are my everything. I miss you with every breathe I take. Life is not and never will be the same. You are an angel in heaven. I love you, Momma. Always and forever your Baby Girl.

April 28, 2016

Mike,
I hate to hear this about your mom. I am praying comfort and peace over your family during this time, though I know it takes a long time to experience it. Cancer took my dad so I know how much it hurts. I didn't know your mom well, but remember her coming to Applebee's and she and your dad always seemed happy. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Ashley Cathey (Canard)

September 8, 2015

I'm mentioning people I've loved all my life, or as long as I've known them. Just today, I gave kudos to Juanita for having been my friend since first grade. I had no idea she'd been ill, or that she passed away. Another classmate let me know. I am so very sorry for your loss. She was a truly special human being.

Marcia Stirman

August 22, 2015

We are so sorry for your families loss. Our thoughts are with you all.
Izola Gary and family

Izola Gary

August 21, 2015

So sorry to hear of your loss Steve and family. Thoughts and prayers to all.
Diane Bernicke

August 21, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this hard time. May God give you the strength each of you need. Heaven received another angel.

Beth Kelly

August 19, 2015

To Juanita's family, I was so sad to read about Juanita's passing, we graduated together and I was blessed to call her a friend, God bless all of you at this sad time.

Ramona Vallejos

August 19, 2015

My condolences to the Family for your loss. Juanita was a beautiful, caring and one of the stronest women I knew. She always had such great advice and always cared so much not only for her family but for others that she didnt even know. She had a heart of gold. She will be missed by all.

Sandra Anderson-Beach

August 19, 2015

Juanita was a great Leader with a heart of gold. I will cherish the time I spent at OFCU under her Leadership. I greatly appreciated her kindness and compassion, yet she knew how to run a tight ship! Juanita was truly an amazing lady with a great story...We will miss her, her smile and her love. Rest easy our friend. Godspeed.

Teresa Hockman

August 19, 2015

I always appreciated the very kind words Juanita enclosed in the employee birthday cards. A very kind and caring woman. Go with God.

Pamela Graf

August 19, 2015

The Thoughts and prayers are with the Whiteside's family. We cared very much for Pam, she was there when we lost our family and wish I could be there just to hug her. Love you my little girl.
Larry and Connie Bryan (Sanford,FL)

Connie Bryan

August 18, 2015

Grateful for Juanita's impact on the community, the credit union, and my life. She was a great leader and I appreciate her compassion and strength. My condolences go out to her family and her credit union family as well.

Lynda

August 18, 2015

Steve,

Very sorry to hear of Juanita's passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad season!

Frank Henderson

August 18, 2015

I remember when she started at OFCU. Very shy, quite, with a very bright smile. Nice lady.

karen munguia

August 18, 2015

Prayers to the family for strength and comfort.

Loretta Osborne

August 17, 2015

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Funeral services provided by:

Alamogordo Funeral Home - Alamogordo

2301 E 1st St, Alamogordo, NM 88310

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