Juanita Nita Gertrude Stewart, age 93, of Sedro-Woolley, Washington, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, May 29, 2009 at 10:30AM, with her loving daughter and constant loyal companion Mitzi at her side.

Juanita was born on November 29, 1915 in Burlington, Washington, the only child of Gertrude Elizabeth Isaacs Buck and Edwin Emanuael Buck. She was raised and educated in Skagit County where she resided most of her adult life. Juanita’s Paternal Grandfather, Franklin Buck was an early pioneer of Skagit County and her Grandmother, Maggie Whalby Buck was an Upper Skagit Indian. Juanita was an Elder in the Upper Skagit Tribe and was very proud of her heritage.
Juanita was a loving and devoted Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. In her later years the sunshine of her life was her constant companion Mitzi, her beloved Chihuahua.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Peter D. Stewart; dearly beloved son, Robert Lewis Grandy; a loving foster sister, Evelyn Palmer Thomas and beloved Dewayne Russell.

Survivors are her daughter, Sandy Stewart Rodriguez and her son, Donald Grandy Shirley all of Sedro-Woolley. Dearest loving friend, who was just like a son, Terry Keyes of Moses Lake. A former son-in-law, Rafael Rodriguez of New Jersey. Nine grandchildren; Bruce Grandy Connie of Burlington, Kimberly Osterhout Fred of Sedro-Woolley, Ronald Fox of Port Hadlock, Rafie Rodriguez of Lynnwood, Glen Grandy, Connie Martin Swanson, Bud Grandy, Tim Grandy and Shannon Grandy. Numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Foster sister, Gladys Kirkpatrick of Sedro-Woolley. Nieces, nephews, and many extended family members.

The family would like to thank the members of Hospice for their loving care and support during the last week of this journey, especially Jane, whom we believe to be an earth angel.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 1:00PM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Timothy Farnham of the Cascade Christian Church officiating. Interment will follow at the Lyman Cemetery. Visitation is available Tuesday and Wednesday from 9AM to 5PM and Wednesday evening from 7PM to 8PM at Lemley Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Skagit Hospice or the American Red Cross.