Juanita Ruth Foster, 98, of Oneida, Illinois died at 11:07 a.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
Juanita was born February 3, 1925, in Creston, Iowa the daughter of Albin and Edna Mae (Probasco) Nicholson. Juanita graduated from Oneida High School where she was crowned homecoming queen her senior year. Juanita married Keith “Tiny” Foster on June 21, 1946, at the Presbyterian Church in Oneida.
Juanita is survived by three daughters, Sue (companion, Bill Schumaker) Bresnahan of Henderson, Illinois, Wendy (the late Mark) Baxter of Sugarland, Texas, and Dawn Dennis of Oneida; one son, Terry Foster of Oneida; eight grandchildren, Jeff (Maureen) Landers, Jason (Barb) Landers, Tammy (Jon) Nelson, Mack (Amber) Foster, Preston (Nicole) Foster, Melissa (Brandon) Barnes, Amanda Cox, and Brandy (Jim) Walters; fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter due in July; one sister-in-law, Jean Foster; and several nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, Juanita was preceded in death by her husband Tiny on May 19, 1988; one infant son, Larry; and one sister Doris Senner.
Juanita worked for several years at Admiral prior to becoming the head cook at ROWVA where she retired after many years. She later decided to return to work at was employed at Walmart for 15 years before eventually retiring again.
Juanita enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, was an avid BINGO player, and loved to play pitch with her friends at Boxcar Express on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She also loved to play poker on Friday nights with her friends, Larry and Pat Ericson, Al Larson, and her daughter Sue and Bill Schumaker. In her younger years, Juanita was an avid bowler. In addition to being homecoming queen, Juanita was crowned Queen of Oneida Days in 2014.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Chris McMillan officiating. Private burial will be at a later date next to her husband at Oneida Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to A.O.&W. Ambulance Service. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
