Juanita Apodaca, age 73, was welcomed into eternity with her Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ on November 8, 2019, after her courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family in a beautiful room at Cottage in the Meadow, Yakima, WA.
Juanita was born on October 12, 1946 in Yakima, Washington to Henry & Lois Apodaca. She attended school in East Valley & later received her GED in 1986, proving it’s never too late. She was employed for many years, with her sisters, as a fruit packer for Washington Fruit & Produce, where she was nicknamed “Frenchie,” engaged in countless parties and pranks, played softball and gained many lifelong friendships, including her dearest friend, Janet Myers. She later became employed as a para-educator with the Yakima School District, where she was treasured by colleagues and students alike.
Besides spending time with her family and friends, Juanita loved going dancing, playing pool, vacationing at the beach, rooting for the Seahawks, watching her kids/grandkids’ activities, going to the movies, going to church, listening to Joyce Meyer, watching Lifetime, Sci-fi, and SOAPS, winning at the casino, and going to work. All that knew her would agree, she had a zest for life.
Juanita is survived by her sons Lawrence Quiroz and David Quiroz, and daughter Danielle (Patrick Jr.) Lambert; sister Mona Apodaca-Day; brothers Rudy Apodaca and Henry (Carmen) Apodaca Jr.; grandchildren Jayme Smotony, Jordan Kurz, Gabriella Kurz, Brittany Quiroz, and Daniel Quiroz; 4 great-grandchildren; multiple nieces and nephews.
Juanita was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Lois Apodaca; brother Lawrence Apodaca; sister Harriet Ortiz-Tanner; sister-in-law Kathy Apodaca; and best dog Starsky.
A special thank you to all of the family and friends that came to visit and prayed for Juanita. Thank you to the staff at Cottage in the Meadow who did an amazing job caring for her and keeping her comfortable while also caring for her family. Thank you to the congregation at Redeemed City Church who provided meals and countless prayers. We are in awe of the overwhelming support from everyone that loved her so dearly. She was a true gift from our Heavenly Father.
There will be a Memorial Service at Keith and Keith Funeral Home on Friday, November 22, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment follows at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Cottage in the Meadow.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com.
