Juanita Yancey passes away

DOWNEY - Juanita K. Yancey, a longtime Downey resident, passed away Feb. 13 in Dewey, Ariz., at a daughter's home after a prolonged illness. She was 90.Born in Missouri but raised on farms around Charles City, Iowa, she was the only child of Carl and Bina Kimey. She was married 64 years to Merritt Yancey, and they lived 53 of those years in Downey. Juanita continued to live in Downey until she required the care of her daughter. Juanita and her husband raised their four daughters here while being involved in numerous civic activities. She was past president of the auxiliary at Downey Regional Medical Center, past president of the PTA Council and PTA president at Downey High, South Junior High and Alameda Elementary. The family was active at United Methodist Church, then Downey Light and Life Church (formerly Downey Free Methodist). The Downey Children's Theater also occupied much of the family's time. Juanita was a part of church choirs and led Girl Scout troops for her daughters. She also wrote a column for the Long Beach Press-Telegram. In 1971, she was named Woman of the Year by the Herald-American for her contributions to the community. She is survived by Kathi Diederich (Rich), Janelle Engel (Rod), Lanita Van Aken (Harry), Laurel Cross (John) and Nazim Zaman (Idie); 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at Downey Light and Life Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to the Untied Mitochondrial Disease Foundation or Prescott Valley Vineyard Fellowship.

********** Published: February 28, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 46