DUBOIS, Juanita Mae

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Published Wednesday, March 31, 2010. Juanita Mae Du Bois, 79, passed away at home March 2010 in Lake Havasu City. She was born on Sept. 27, 1930, in Lincoln, Neb.; the youngest of four children to Joseph and Madaline Sinner. In her early teens, the family moved to Southern California, where Juanita graduated from Mark Keppel High School in Monterey Park, Calif., in 1948. In 1952, she met her husband, Arden, on a blind date, New Year’s Eve. Less than three months later, they married on Friday, March 13, 1953. Amidst much heckling and good-natured banter, Juanita and her husband didn’t welcome their first child until 1955. After high school, she went to work for Southern Counties Gas Company, which later merged with Southern California Gas, where she retired after 38 years. Juanita held several different positions during her time with the gas company. She also assisted with charitable work including holding the position of United Way chairwoman for Southern California Gas and which she not only assisted her company in reaching their goal, but set record-breaking figures for donations that year. Juanita was a beautiful, creative and loyal wife and mother. She loved to laugh and sing. Juanita raised her daughters to be independent, was a Girl Scout leader, and a wonderful cook. She loved camping and fishing with her husband, daughters, and other family members. Juanita is survived by her husband of 57 years, Arden Du Bois; daughters, Diane Melancon, Lori (John) Mullen, and Lisa Du Bois; grandchildren, Christopher (Alicia) Shuff, Danielle (Scott) Bastoe, Shane Drew, and Nicolette Melancon; great-granddaughters, Joliet and Julian Shuff; a host of nieces and nephews, and their spouses to whom she was lovingly known as Aunt Wanie; and least we forget, Duchess and Isabel, who loved her, gave her wet kisses, comforted her and barked to us when she needed us. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Madaline Sinner; sister, Mary and husband Andy Erler; brother, Clarence and wife Betty Sinner; and brother, Edwin and wife Lillian Sinner. Visitation will be held at Lietz-Fraze Chapel Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. with graveside services to follow at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens at 11 a.m. Words of comfort and inspiration will be expressed by Rev. Richard Rounds. Juanita’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Havasu with whose guidance and care made it possible for her to remain at home with her family. Condolences and thoughts can be made to her family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.