Most knew our mother as Juanita. She has always been the epitome of her name which means, “God is gracious”. Tuesday, June 13, 2023, her 83rd birthday, she peacefully joined her pre-deceased eternal companion, Roland M. “Bill” Washburn, and their son, Matthew. The other 8 living children and many other family members were near to witness her cross the veil and immediately be greeted by loving family, friends, and creatures blessed to know her here on earth.
Juanita was born on Thursday, June 13, 1940, to Elaine Opal Patterson of Kentucky and her father, Claire William Abbott of Colorado. She is the oldest of three siblings; survived by her sister, Jeraldine Deymonaz and predeceased by her brother, Michael Stephen Abbott (deceased October 3, 1986).
Juanita spent her youth in eastern Washington loving and caring for animals. This love and care continued throughout her life and now through her legacy. She joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at seventeen and never looked back. Several years later, she met Roland Washburn in late December 1962 and fell in love. They were sealed in the LDS Logan Temple in Logan, Utah on February 12, 1963.
Juanita and Bill have nine children plus their spouses: Matthew (deceased March 10, 1964), Cindy & Jeff Brannen, Becky & Bryan Heward, Bill & Tina, Dan & Michelle, Sarah & Ed Ulrich, Tim & Karla, James & Marianne, and Mary & Wes Filhart. There are thirty grandchildren; predeceased by Waylon (deceased March 13, 2008), plus five great-grandchildren.
No doubt her favorite accomplishment was having her family close to her, close to each other, and close to God. She lived and taught her family to live faithful to God, believe in the plan of happiness, and endure to the end. Anyone that knew her knows that she graciously patterned her life by “enduring it well”; all the way to the end of her days! Juanita exemplified to all she met that eternal progress can be achieved by and through our Savior, Jesus Christ.
“First and foremost, if I write nothing else, am known for nothing else, I would that you would know I loved my Savior Jesus Christ my whole life. I believe in Him, my hope is always in Him; my strength is always through Him.”
- Juanita Washburn
Viewing:
Friday, June 23 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bunkers Funeral Home, 33 Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201
Receiving Line to Express Condolences to Family
Saturday, June 24 from 9-10 a.m. at the LDS Church Building, 1415 E Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ 85204
Funeral
Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m. at the LDS Church Building, 1415 E Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ 85204
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Mom, I love you! I’m grateful for your example, all you have taught me and mean to me and my family. Keep moving forward. So glad your with your family, Dad and Matthew. God bless!