Juanita Mickle

Juanita Mickle, 70, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 23, 2022, surrounded by her family, to celebrate her 71st birthday in Heaven, with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the love of her life, Gary Messer. Juanita fought difficult health conditions for 13 years with a smile on her face and enduring love in her heart.

Juanita was born to Milborn and Ruth Mickle, July 24, 1951, in Myrtle Creek, Oregon, and grew up in the Umpqua Valley with her identical twin sister, Donnita, brother Greg & sister Sandy. At 13 her family moved to Susanville, CA, where she later met local radio disc jockey, Gary Messer, who lead her around the world for 22 years while serving in the USAF. Juanita spent 37 years working as a civil servant, her most rewarding time being an intake specialist at the University of Oregon Army ROTC. Juanita fought and survived ARDS in 2009, spent 9 years in the healing and fun warmth of Florida until her daughter dragged her back to Oregon following Gary’s passing in 2018.

Juanita loved Bible study, morning coffee with her daughter, and outings with her grandson. She enjoyed entertaining, shopping ANYWHERE, and finding & giving away sand dollars. She was passionate in her love for her family and friends, an avid dog lover and protector, and could cook a mean Chicken & Wine. Juanita is a loving and devoted mother to Jacquelyne DeFrance, proud grandmother to Jackson DeFrance, and also survived by her “son” (in-law), Jason DeFrance and numerous nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Juanita’s life will be publicly celebrated Saturday, September 17, at Salt Creek Falls, Hwy 58, Oregon.

Favorite Scripture Psalms 23, the psalm of David.

Donations may be made to SOS Lost Pet Rescue NW, https://soslostpetrescuenw.org/ or your local pet shelter.