Miss Juanita F. Marsh, 80, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, November 9, 2005 at the Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon. A lifetime resident of Skagit/Whatcom Counties, the highlight of her life was a vacation to California. She was born on November 30, 1924 in Sedro-Woolley, the firstborn child of Everett and Florence Eldred Marsh. She attended Mt. Baker High School, then moved to Bellingham and graduated from Bellingham High School with the highest grade point average in her graduating class. She was active in the Photography Club.
Her one true love was killed in action during World War II.
And whoever said obituaries are boring’ For several years the highlight of Juanita’s life was when her friend Jim called her every day to read the Obituary column to her.
Juanita enjoyed entertaining family in her home. She preferred bright colors to pastels and rainbow sherbet to plain vanilla. Her passions were painting, embroidery, reading, gospel music and long walks by the woods with a hat to protect her complexion. At age 80 she had the smooth skin of a child.
Juanita enjoyed giving, but she hated getting gifts unless it was a necessary item. It was almost impossible to give her anything except stamps and greeting cards to send to other people. ‘You keep it. You need this yourself.’ She always had the last word.
Juanita is survived by her only sibling, Loren Everett Marsh of Mount Vernon, nieces and nephews; Sharon Marsh Downey and William Benson of Marblemount, WA, Robert James and Nancy Marsh of Brush Prairie, WA, David Loren and Lisa Marsh of Custer, WA. Grand-nieces and nephews, Jessica, James and Robert of Brush Prairie , WA, Sarah Elder of Sedro-Woolley, Jennifer BreAnna and Benjamin Marsh of Custer, WA, and Great-grand nieces and nephews.
Last, but not least, are the many friends, extended relatives and those caregivers who chose to become her friends. We would mention you all by name except that we are certain to overlook those of you who were known to Juanita and not to the author. You know who you are, and God knows how you made Juanita’s life richer, as she enriched yours.
Memorials are suggested to the Recreational Therapy Department of Life
Care Center of Skagit Valley or the charity of your choice.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 14, 2005 at 2:00 PM at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Interment will follow at the Union Cemetery in Sedro-Woolley.
*See Florence Eldred’s poem in the 1920 Sedro-Woolley High School Yearbook.