Juanita Marie Bridges was born October 25, 1934, in Ontario, California, to Clyde and Bonnie (Gardner) Wade, and passed on to her eternal heavenly life April 29, 2026. She was sister to Rosaleen Bennett and the late Patricia Altman. The love of her life, Jack Bridges, Sr., preceded her in death in 2002, and is now joined with her for eternity.

Juanita is survived by her three children: Teresa Poole, Jack, Jr. and his wife, Mary, and Greg and his wife, Sue; as well as five grandchildren and their spouses: Amber and Nathan Cook, Natalie and James Waneka, Lucas and Abbey Poole, Maggie Bridges and Nate Siech, and Bryant and Kelsi Bridges; four great-grandchildren: Brooklynn and Freya Waneka, Hunter Caviness, and Archer Beck; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Juanita was a life-long Methodist of strong Christian faith, which was evident in the way she lived her life. She was an award-winning quilter whose work appeared in the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt, and she has won first place at the Missouri State Fair.  Each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild have been gifted at least one of her quilts. She was also an avid collector, traveler, and student of history. She made the world’s best chocolate pie and pancakes.

She was first and foremost a wife and mother, as well as a beloved daughter, sister, and grandma. Juanita will be missed by all who knew her for her kindness, wit, charity, and love.

The family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Abbey Poole, R.N.  Abbey was at Juanita’s side constantly and offered compassion, care, and love to the very end.

Visitation will be held 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2026, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 E. Seminole, in Springfield.  The funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Hood United Methodist Church in Republic.  Burial will follow at Wade Chapel Cemetery in Republic; afterward, a reception will be held in the Hood United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Springfield Victory Mission at https://www.victorymission.com/donate/

Care has been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home East.