Juanita Ables

MARQUETTE HEIGHTS ~ Juanita Gwynn Ables, 85, went home to be with the Lord at 1:20 a.m. on Friday, May 15th, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by the love of her family. In her final days, her room was filled with children, grandchildren, tears, laughter, prayers, stories, music, and so much love. Her girls stayed by her side, family traveled from near and far to see her, and even a dear friend drove all the way from Tennessee just to hold her hand one more time. On one of her final days, surrounded by those she loved most, Mom softly said she was “ready to go home.” There was deep sorrow in letting her go, but also peace in knowing Heaven was drawing near.

Mom was born in Roe, Arkansas, to Marcus and Ora Jackson. She later married the love of her life, Albert Ables, on May 11, 1961, in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, hard work, loyalty, and family. Their love story spanned decades, and this past May 11th they celebrated 65 years of marriage together — a beautiful testament to enduring love, commitment, and God’s faithfulness through every season of life.

Juanita worked at Caterpillar for 28 years as a material handler and assembler before retiring in 2000. She was a woman of strong faith and faithfully served as pianist for her church for many years. So many people knew the sound of her playing and the quiet way she worshipped through music.

Mom loved the simple things that made life feel warm and familiar. She enjoyed sewing before her health declined, playing Yahtzee and solitaire, and cheering on her beloved St. Louis Cardinals with true dedication. She also loved playing the harmonica, filling the room with music and joy in her own special way. One thing she especially enjoyed was deer hunting with her husband, making memories together doing something they both loved. If the Cardinals were playing, chances are Mom knew the score. She had a way of loving people through food, too. Her coconut cream pie and meatloaf were family favorites, made with the kind of care that somehow made everything taste like home.

More than anything, Mom loved her family fiercely. She was the safe place, the encourager, the steady presence, and the keeper of memories. No one hugged tighter than Mom. Her hugs made people feel safe, loved, and home all at once. Her love stretched across generations and will continue through the lives of the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren she treasured so deeply.

She is survived by her husband, Albert Ables; her children, Angie Ables (Larry Milsteadt Jr.), Shelly (Jeff) Davis, Alan (Lisa) Ables, Rhonda (David) Kraus, and James Ables; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and one brother, Earl (Martha) Jackson of Clarendon, Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marcus and Ora Jackson, three brothers, and two sisters.

Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for every moment we had with her. We will miss her music, her cooking, her strength, her laughter, her stories, and the way she made all of us feel loved. Heaven gained a beautiful soul, and we know she is finally whole again, resting peacefully at home with the Lord.

Her visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. In honor of mom’s love of the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball team, please feel free to wear your Cardinal attire to the visitation. Her graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Frazier Cemetery in Humphrey, Arkansas. Elder Winston Ragon will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the memorial account for the benefit of Juanita at CEFCU to help the family with final expenses during this difficult time.

To express condolences online, visit www. Preston-Hanley.com