Juanita June Roese

Juanita June Roese passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones Thursday, June 25, 2009. She was born in June 1927 in Sterling, Kan., one of four daughters born to Thomas and Mary Moffett. She graduated from Mayetta High School in 1945 and taught school for two years in Jackson County and two years at Silverlake, Kan. Juanita graduated from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., in 1952. She taught at State Street Elementary School in Topeka for two years. She then went to Eta Jima, Japan, in 1954, where she taught the U.S. Army dependents stationed there. During her year in Japan she met 1st Lieutenant, B.L. Scruggs, who was stationed there. They were marred on July 10, 1955 near Birmingham, Kan., and made their home in Topeka. They were blessed with two children Thomas and Khymbrly. In Topeka, she continued her teaching career at West Avendale Elementary while B.L. taught political science at Washburn University. The family moved to California in 1967, where she taught at Judkins Middle School, and later at Oceano Elementary, while B.L. taught at Cal Poly. Juanita was widowed when B.L. died on April 29, 1971. She continued to teach in Oceano and lived in Pismo Beach with her two children. On Aug. 17, 1974, Juanita married Robert Reynolds Roese, who was with the California Highway Patrol in San Luis Obispo. Upon retirement, Juanita and Bob were devoted grandparents and traveled extensively. They had numerous interests, which included the Kiwanis and Meals on Wheels. Juanita was a joy to those of us who knew her and loved her. What made her dear to us was her love, her kindness and her charity. She will be sorely missed but life has given more than death can take away. Juanita is survived by her son, Thomas (Elizabeth); stepsons Robert and Richard Roese; sisters Nadine Anderson and Betty Buonasera; and grandchildren Lewis and Daniel Scruggs, Stephen, Michael and Renee Roese, Suzanne Vom Baur and Charlie Widle; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Mary Moffett; sister, Donna James; daughter, Khymbrly Scruggs; granddaughter, Sarah Scruggs; and husbands B.L. Scruggs and Robert Reynolds Roese. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, 277 South St. Ste. R, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.