Juanita Thomas

Juanita Thomas, 78, died Saturday, November 17, 2012, at Sauer Memorial Home in Winona, MN. Juanita was born April 22, 1934, in Trempealeau County, WI, to Russell and Martha (Pittenger) Williams. She married Melvin V. Thomas who later preceded her in death on January 8, 1980. Juanita had been a teacher in Billings, MT, served lunches at Winona Senior High School, worked at Fibrite in Winona and retired from housekeeping at the Sterling Motel. Juanita enjoyed playing Bingo and cards. She had been a resident of Sauer Memorial Home for the past 12 years.Survivors include her three children, Melody (Rick) Skappel of Minnesota City, MN, Linda (Tom) Axtell of Rochester, MN, and Jim (Lisa) Thomas of Minnesota City, MN; six grandchildren, Don (Jennifer) Skappel, Melissa Skappel, Heather Skappel, John Skappel, Austin Thomas and James Thomas; seven great-grandchildren, Talynn, Malaycia, Kamareana, Deion, Avery, Marley and Addison; two sisters, Ruth Ann McDonah of Trempealeau, WI, and Helen (Don) Barnewitz of Winona, MN; and brother-in-law, Thomas S. Severson. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Melvin, and sister, Nancy. Funeral services to celebrate Juanita's life will be held on Tuesday, November 20th, at 10:30am, at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service - Hansen Goodview Chapel. Visitation will be held from 9:30am until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Ft. Snelling National cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.