Juanita Soards, 83, Marion, went to be with the Lord at 9:45 am on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Wesleyan Health Care & Rehabilitation Center in Marion. She was born in Hazard, Kentucky, on Saturday, January 6, 1940, to James “Mac” and Maudie (Jent) Combs. On May 24, 1966, she married Ronald E. Soards, and he survives.
Juanita graduated from Carr Creek High School in Kentucky. Throughout her life, she had worked at RCA and General Tire and was also an owner/operator of an aquarium business. Juanita was a member of Grace Community Church.
Juanita enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved making flower arrangements for weddings, as well as working in her flower gardens. She had also taught Sunday School and volunteered as a teacher at Southeast Elementary in Marion. She will be dearly missed by her family.
In addition to her loving husband, Juanita is survived by her son, Dennis (Fonda) Soards of Roanoke; step-daughters, Denise (Marcus “Anthony”) Combs of Marion and Rhonda “Kim” Pacetti of Naples, FL; grandchildren: Dustin (Celeste) Soards, Mallory (Taylor) Ross, Ian (Mckenna) Soards, Mike (Beth) Combs, Jeff (Jordan) Combs, John Pacetti, Matthew Pacetti, and David Pacetti; several great-grandchildren; brother, Marcus Combs of KY; sisters, Helen Collins of Gas City and Jean (Jim) Travis of FL; and best friend, Beverly Smith of Marion.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Mae.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Juanita’s life will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastor Tom Mansbarger officiating. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Grace Community Church, 1810 E. Bradford Pike, Marion, IN 46952.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Juanita, please visit our floral store.