Juanita Rose McElhaney

Juanita Rose McElhaney, 91, of Paxton, formerly of Hoopeston, passed away at 7:40 a.m. Monday, June 27, 2016, at Paxton Healthcare and Rehab.
Mrs. McElhaney was born on October 14, 1924, in Veedersburg, Indiana, the daughter of William "Bill" and Ada (Knowles) Cole. She married Clyde E. McElhaney on April 9, 1943, at the First United Methodist Church, in Hoopeston. After 60 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on December 4, 2003.
She is survived by her grandchildren- Terri (Jim) Peters of Gibson City, Gregory Scott (Rita) Bryant of Danville and Julie (Jeremy Martin) Bryant of Danville; several great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sister-in-law- Maxine McElhaney of Danville; special friends- Stephen and Holly Eyrich of Hoopeston; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter- Sandra I. Bryant, son- John G. McElhaney, four brothers- Ralph Cole, Forrest Cole, Orville "Jack" Cole and Roy Cole and two sisters- Hazel Coffing and Irene Coffing.
Juanita graduated from Veedersburg High School in 1942. After graduating, Juanita came to Hoopeston, where she was introduced to Clyde McElhaney by her sister Irene. She worked for 17 years at the Sears Catalogue Store in Hoopeston, in the Credit and Collections Department. Juanita was a Chaperone for the National Sweetheart Pageant for many years. She played cards every Friday afternoon at the Hoopeston Multi Agency for several years. Through the years Clyde and Juanita were members of several square dance groups: "The Frontier Twirlers", "The Sweet Corn-ers", "The Illiana Rounds" and "The Friendly Mixer". Juanita and Clyde were passionate about square dancing and were quite a sight to behold on the dance floor. People would clear the floor to watch Clyde and Juanita dance.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2016, at the Blurton Funeral Home in Hoopeston, with Pastor Micah Mobley officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be held in Floral Hill Cemetery at a later date. According to her wishes cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials may be made in Juanita's name to the Hoopeston Multi Agency. The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Juanita's life. Memories or photos may be sent to the family on her memorial page at: www.blurtonfuneralhomes.com.

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