Juanita Mantie

Juanita Sloan Mantie was born in Lonetree, North Dakota to Edward and Roxie Sloan on March 24, 1926. Her family included 3 siblings; one sister, Pauly and 2 brothers, Edward and Richard. She died peacefully at the age of 84 on March 8, 2011 in her home in Snohomish, Washington.

Juanita was a gentle, kind, loving and generous wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Juanita grew up in North Dakota and graduated from Ward County elementary school on May 23, 1940. She went on to graduate from Lonetree High School on May 26, 1944. She then moved with her family to Bellevue, Washington where she became a sales clerk for Larkin. Her future husband Rudy worked across the street at a gas station. He decided she was the one. He knew she was seeing someone at the time, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing her when the other guy wasn’t around. Rudy’s persistence must have won her over because they were married on March 15, 1947 and had a long and loving relationship that lasted for 64 years. Juanita was baptized on March 7, 1954, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church by Pastor Schulze. Her baptismal verse was Matthew 28: 19. They had five children who loved them and no one could have had better parents. They enjoyed going to church every Sunday, camping, long road trips to North Dakota, and visiting often with family and friends. They loved inviting people to share their home and pool and it was instantly a success when Juanita started baking up a storm. She was a great cook. Everyone loved her desserts – her Scotcheroos were legendary! She loved gardening and at one time had up to 1800 Dahlia plants. She loved to share these with family and friends. Juanita made many friends while working at Larkin, Frederick & Nelson, Mayfair and Lucky Stores. Juanita also had a beautiful voice and one would often hear her singing along with the radio, Andy Williams or the Pat Boone show and even while she was doing the dishes or cooking. Her favorite song was “In The Mood” and she really loved to beat Rudy at cards.

Juanita is survived by her husband Rudy; her sister Pauly Jezek; her 5 children, Rudy Gordon, Julie, Jeanie, John and Tony; her 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Roxie Sloan; her brothers, Edward and Richard Sloan.

There will be a Viewing on March 17th, 2011 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Sunset Hills Funeral Home located at 1215 145th Place SE, Bellevue, WA 98007. The Memorial Service for Juanita will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 1:00 pm at Pilgrim Lutheran Church located at 10420 SE 11th Street, Bellevue, WA 98004. A reception will follow at the church. Family flowers only please – At her request, Juanita would like you to please make a memorial donation to Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Bellevue, WA.

Arrangements entrusted to Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Bellevue, WA.