Melba "Juanita" Churchill

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Melba Juanita Churchill was born on August 6, 1932, in Woodbine, Iowa to Walter and Lois “Vining” Johnson. She grew up in Woodbine, Iowa, and graduated from Woodbine High School in 1950. Juanita joined the workforce first at Heft Funeral Home, then Omaha-Greyhound Bus Terminal and then World Insurance.

On March 5, 1953, she was united in marriage to Raymond Charles Churchill. This union marked the beginning of a wonderful journey together. The couple moved to Washington D.C., where they resided until 1957, when they returned to their roots in Iowa. Juanita embraced the role of homemaker with love and care, devoting herself to raising her family. She re-entered the workforce in 1973, taking on a position at Defiance State Bank in Dow City and advancing to the role of manager. Juanita initially retired in 1998 but found her passion for work calling her back, as she rejoined the bank and continued her service there until 2020.

Juanita participated in a bowling league and had a passion for baking, delighting her family and friends with her home-baked treats. She also faithfully took care of her mother at the end of her life and continued to volunteer at Rose Vista in Woodbine, IA, for many years after her mother died. Juanita found joy in her morning and afternoon coffee club, where she cultivated lasting friendships with those around her. Above all, she held dear the moments spent with family and friends and treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Juanita died on May 16, 2025, at Azria Health Rose Vista in Woodbine, Iowa at the age of 92 years, nine months and 10 days.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Walter Gene Johnson; sister, Audrey Babb. She is survived by her children; Theresa and her husband Andrew Fulk of Oakley, Illinois, Laura and her husband Ken Byrd of Toney, Alabama and Keith Churchill and his wife Jan of Carroll, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Joshua Orr (Julie Kass), Michael Orr (Michelle Birdsley-Birkett), Kurtis Churchill, Daniel Orr, Kelia (Dave) Kotlarz, Sarah (Chad) Jennings, Karissa (Pete) Boeke and Debra (Matt) Clark; 11 great-grandchildren, Hudson, Breese, Sierrah, Presley, Harper, Arya, Amelia, Julien, Nash, Ethan and Knox; brother, Charles Gail Johnson of Omaha, Nebraska; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorials may be made to the Dow City United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer's Association.