Juanita Nelson

Juanita “Nita” (Dec) Nelson passed away November 12, 2025, in Prague, Oklahoma.

The youngest child of Stanley and Rita (Swiergosz) Dec, Juanita was born on September 2, 1951, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was affectionately known thereafter as “Babe.” Juanita and her family eventually settled in Toledo, Ohio on Buckingham Street, in the predominantly Polish neighborhood known as Kuschwantz. She graduated in 1969 from Whitney Vocational High School.

Throughout her life, Juanita was known for her big heart, strong opinions, fierce love of family, and adventurous spirit. In her twenties, that wild spirit compelled her to trade concrete for cowgirl boots and venture out west to Oklahoma. There, she found her heart in the blue skies and wide-open spaces, embracing life on a small farm. She was happiest tending to her horses, chickens, pigs, dogs and just about any four-legged or feathered creature that came along.

Stubborn, hard-working and quick-witted Juanita never backed down from a challenge or a confrontation. She lived life on her terms, never letting the word no stand in her way. Those traits allowed her to pursue a career as an electrician in the late 1970s when not many women were in the field (let alone ones standing barely five feet tall). She co-owned and successfully operated Prague Electric for many years.

Juanita loved her slot machines, and her thrift store finds (though she generally had more luck with the former). Through the years, her visits back to Ohio are remembered by her family as highly anticipated affairs bringing good laughs, great food, and pure fun.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Rita Dec, her big brother and protector, James Dec, and her husband Bobbie Lee Nelson.

Juanita is survived by her beloved sister, Yvonne Michalkiewicz and sister-in-law, Cherie Dec. Whether you knew her as Auntie Babe or Nita, she became a surrogate grandmother and favorite aunt to so many. She also leaves behind her niece and nephews, Richard Michalkiewicz (Andrea’), James (Robin) Dec, Jeffery (Angela) Dec, Steven (Elizabeth) Dec, Thomas (Courtney) Dec, Daniel (Sara) Dec, Paul Dec and Cheryl Ann Leonard; her special grand-nephews TJ (Stormy) Leonard, JJ (Katie) Leonard, Jonny (Tori) Leonard; as well as her stepchildren, Becky Smith VanWorth, Stanley Smith, Tonya Smith Clark, Jimmy Lee Nelson, Tony Santos, Bobbie Nelson Jr., Jeanie Lee Nunn, along with countless cousins and grand-nieces and nephews who loved and will miss her.

We know she’s up there as the center of attention in a large, raucous family reunion, about to win big at the slots. Soon, she’ll be back riding her cherished horse Shiloh in a body that will never quit.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation in Juanita’s name to your local humane society or animal rescue organization.

A celebration of life will also be held in the Toledo area at a later date.