Juanita Jean Depew

Juanita Jean Depew, age 84 from Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in the early morning of Friday, March 28, 2025. She was born the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William and Suzy Spurgeon [Perkins] on May 31, 1940 in Kingsport, Tennessee. She married the love of her life, James Edward Depew, her husband of over 61 years, who preceded her in death.

Juanita grew up in the city of Kingsport, Tennessee. While working as a carhop, she saw the best-looking man she’d ever seen, like a real live Elvis. Jim took one look at her and said “I’m going to marry that girl”. When he asked her out, she shot him down. But Jim was persistent for days, and she finally agreed to go on a date only if he promised to buy her popcorn, a soda pop, and a candy bar at a movie. During the date, Juanita realized Jim was the one and they were inseparable from then on. They married on November 3, 1959 and after having three children, they moved to Kokomo. She worked at Howard Community as a certified nurse’s aide. She then worked her way up to being a quality control specialist at Delco where she received an award for suggesting a circuit board design change. She retired early from Delco in 1994 due to complications from a childhood illness that impacted her heart and she battled the rest of her life.

Juanita grew her faith in the Baptist church. She was dearly loved by her large family and many friends. She enjoyed camping with the family as it grew. After retiring, she and Jim liked to travel. They spent the winters in Florida where they enjoyed the outdoors with friends, and their seven grandkids who would visit during spring break. Later, moving permanently back to Kokomo, she spent most of her days on the back porch enjoying the outdoors all while watching her 15 great-grandkids play.

She is survived by her children, Ricky Keith of Kokomo, Sarah Gail Pattison (Kevin) of Elwood, and Ronald James (Kim) of Monroe, Ohio; grandchildren Ronald DePew of Monroe, Ohio, Jackie DePew (Jeff Glenn) of Monroe, Ohio, Tiffiney Mcdade of Dover, OK, Thomas DePew (Monica) of Liberty Township, Ohio, Kammie Ross (Matthew) of Springboro, Ohio, Breanna Pattison (Drake) of Kokomo, and Brayton Pattison of Lafayette; great-grandchildren Cameron, Kelsey, Dylan, Alivia, Bentley, Juleigh, Brooklyn, Evelyn, Levi, Savanah, Charley, Averie, Alaina, Kammie, and Makayla; great-great-grandson, Alex; brother James Spurgeon; sisters Eula Fay Jones, Geraldine Chatman, and Brenda Graves; and numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews. In addition to Jim, she was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Nina Ruth, Trula May, and Delores Ann.

Visitation will be held at Ellers Mortuary, Main Street on Saturday, April 5 from noon to 2:00. A memorial service at Ellers and a graveside service at Albright Cemetery will immediately follow. Memorial donations may be made to Guardian Angels. The family would like to express our gratitude for all the great care and support they provided, especially Tishelle and Angie.