Juanita Louise (Miller) Smith

Juanita Louise Smith, 84, of Clayton, IN passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023, in her home, surrounded by her family. The family would like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to Daneen, with Anew Hospice, for going above and beyond to make sure Juanita and her family were well taken care of in her final days.

Juanita was born at home in Patricksburg, IN on October 6, 1939, a daughter of the late Harrison and Ruth (Hickenbotham) Miller. She graduated from Patricksburg High School with the class of 1957, and shortly after married her high school sweetheart, James Smith, on December 7, 1957, he preceded her in death on February 14, 2004.  Juanita graduated with her bachelor’s in nursing from Marion College and worked for many years as an RN at Hendricks County Hospital, before taking a position as Head RN with the Plainfield Correctional Facility where she worked for 10 years before her retirement. 

In her younger years, Juanita enjoyed camping with her family. At one point, her husband purchased an old hearse and converted it into a comfortable place to sleep while camping. She was Den Mother for all three of her children when they were in scouts. Juanita was a sister in Christ and loved the Lord whole heartedly.  Juanita took her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren to church and made sure they loved the Lord as much as she did.  She has been a member of Calvary Chapel for many years. Juanita was an artist, she loved to oil paint and make custom wire wrapped jewelry, she crocheted and loved to quilt. She was a gardener of vegetables and flowers. 

Juanita is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Louise (Otis) Rogers of Bainbridge, IN; son and daughter-in-law, John (Leona) Smith of Wilbur, IN; 12 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren; sister, Bertha Sturm.  In addition to her parents and husband, Juanita is preceded in death by her oldest son, Rick Smith, and grandson Curtis Smith.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Juanita’s name to Calvary Chapel of Danville.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm on Friday, November 10, 2023 at the Calvary Chapel, 2165 E. Main St., Danville, IN 46122. A funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm, burial will follow in the Clayton Cemetery, Clayton, IN.  Online condolences may be offered at www.heltonandharrisfuneralhomes.com.  

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