Born in Walla Walla, Wa Juanita was the first of 5 children born to Walter and Minnie Ray. She attended high school in Pendelton, Oregon.
In 1932 Juanita married Roy Swansen in Pendelton, they had three children, Ronald, Roger, and Rayleen. Roy was killed in 1943 and Juanita (Neen) moved to the Aloha/Beaverton area to raise her children.
She married Ernest Maltby in 1949. Ernest passed away in 1984.
Neen worked in the catering industry for many years and was active in crafts. She loved dancing. She met her friend and companion of many years, Gordon Newman at a seniors dance, they attended many dances over the years and dazzled everyone with their steps and attire.
Juanita (Neen) resided at Edgewood Downs in Beaverton, Oregon until her health began to fail at which time she moved with her daughter, Rayleen to Quesnel, BC, Canada where she passed away peacefully at the age of 99.
Juanita (Neen) was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Minnie, brothers, David and Robert, sisters, Mary Helen and Dorothy, husbands Roy and Ernest, grandaughter Robin Haldorson and great granddaughter Sandy McGillivray.
Juanita (Neen) is survived by her sons, Ronald,(Neece) Swansen of Kettle Falls, Wa, Roger Swansen of Seattle, Wa, and Rayleen Swansen of Quesnel, BC.
Grandchildren, Debbie, Andrew, Seattle, Wa, Kelly (Dan) Holm Spokane, Wa, Renea (Rob) Ivie, Spokane, April Streiff, Ketchikan, Ak., Ronna (Dan) Pearson, Quesnel, BC, and Randy Bettis, Buckley, Wa. She also leaves sixteen great-grandchildren and ten great-great grandchildren.
To Those I Love
When I am gone, just release me, let me go- so I can move into my afterglow. You musn’t tie me down with your tears; let’s be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it’s time I traveled on alone.
So grieve for me awhile, if grieve you must, let your grief be comforted in trust.
It’s only for awhile that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. And then, when you must come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile and a “Welcome Home.”