Juanita Johns

Juanita (Henry) Johns was born February 1, 1914, in Los Angeles, CA, to Alexander Ross Henry and Eartha (Miller) Henry. Juanita died January 29, 2010, at Central Washington Hospital, due to a brief illness. She would have been 96 on February 1, 2010. Juanita spent her childhood with her parents and brother in still-young Los Angeles. Her memories included riding the street car, roller skating on errands, produce shopping at nearby truck farms and taking her wagon to get chicken feed. In 1918, her mother wrapped her in a flag in honor of the Armistice at the end of World War I. Juanita graduated from high school in 1932. She was an accomplished seamstress and worked for RKO Studios in the wardrobe department. While attending Cal Poly College, she met Kenneth Johns. They were married in 1935 in Yuma, AZ. Between 1936 and 1946, they had four daughters, Ardie, Glenda, Margie and Kathy. The family spent the World War II years between Los Angeles and Orondo, WA, Kenneth's birthplace. In 1947, they moved permanently to Orondo and established Alpine Orchards. That orchard was lost to the rising waters caused by Rocky Reach Dam. In 1959, the family home was moved three miles upriver and a second Alpine Ranch was established. Juanita was primarily a homemaker, but spent many summer days packing peaches, originally in the orchard, and many autumn days packing apples. She also housed and fed "city cousins" who came to the ranch for summer jobs. The family years were spent with weddings, anniversaries, graduations, kids and grandkids. Kenneth and Juanita retired from orcharding in 1967, and moved to East Wenatchee. Well into her 80's, Juanita had holiday dinners and summer potlucks at her home. Kenneth died in 2006. Juanita remained in her home until 2007, when she moved to Riverwest Assisted Living. Her recent goals were to attend her granddaughter's July 2009 wedding and to welcome her great-great-grandson in August 2009. She joyously celebrated both. Juanita is survived by her daughters, Ardie (Jack) Shriner of Orondo, Glenda (Ken) Goedde of Cashmere, Margie (Daryl) Noyd and Kathy (Jim) Bailey, all of Wenatchee; and her niece, Kay (Paul) Lupo of Rollinghills, CA. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Juanita was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her brother, Ross Henry; an infant son; and one grandson. Juanita will be Laid to Rest in Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery in her family's crypt. Contributions in her name may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Telford's Chapel of the Valley is in charge of arrangements. GOODBYE, OUR CALIFORNIA GIRL!