Juanita Sturm

Juanita Yvonne Sturm, 86, passed from this life on December 10, 2025.

She was welcomed into this world on March 12, 1939, to parents William and Vernice (Leaser) Gresham and older sister Mae, at their home place in Newton Stewart, Indiana. As a child, Juanita treasured her days on the farm, especially time spent with her daddy and her beloved cousins. Those early years, rich with simple joys and strong family ties, shaped her immensely.

After attending primary school in a one-room schoolhouse, Juanita went on to attend French Lick High School where she was proud to be a Red Devil in the infamous class of 1956 and honored to be the 1956 basketball queen. It was during those treasured high school years that she met the love of her life, Johnny Sturm. The two were united in marriage on February 16, 1959, and shared 65 years together. After high school she attended Heim School of Cosmetology in Gary, Indiana.

Juanita and Johnny welcomed three children: Terry Kent, Debra Lynette, and William Raymond. The years that followed were filled with cooking for family, friends, and her church, and spending many quiet hours meticulously creating beautiful afghans that she would gift to those she cared about. She was also the family historian, carefully preserving their story through her journals and countless photographs so that memories would never be lost to time.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Johnny, and her sister, Mae Combs. Those who remain will carry her memory forward in the stories she recorded, the recipes she shared, the blankets she lovingly stitched, and the example of a life lived with quiet strength.

She is survived by her children; Terry (Carla) Sturm, Debby (Warren) Broughton, Bill Sturm, grandchildren; Lauran (Bracey) Hainey, Will Broughton, Ashley (David) Bullington, Tyler Sturm, Dylan (Brandi) Allen, great grandchildren; Kohen Broughton, Maggie Bullington, Ruby Bullington, Knox Bullington, Charles Hainey and Granger Bullington.

"Psalm 91:4 – He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

May Juanita rest in the everlasting arms of the Lord she trusted, and be at peace as she is reunited with Johnny.

Services to be Saturday December 13, 2025 at Denbo Funeral Home in English starting at 10 with funeral at 1. Burial to follow at Eckerty Cemetery.

In lieu of flower donations can be made to Eckerty Cemetery Fund.

Online condolences can be made at www.denbo-dillmanfuneralhomes.com

Denbo Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Juanita Sturm.

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