Juanita Ruth York

Juanita Ruth York, 96 of New Castle, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 8, 2021. Juanita was born in Thorpe, West Virginia on July 14, 1924 to the late Jacob and Cloie Martin Jarrett. Juanita began her education in a one room schoolhouse in McDowell County, West Virginia. She later moved to Indiana where she married the love of her life, Rollin A. York. Within a few years they felt God’s call to the mission field. She took classes at Great Commission Bible College in Anderson, Indiana. She also took basic nurses training at Deaconess Hospital in Oklahoma City. Rollin and Juanita moved the family to Peru, South America where they learned Spanish and began their work in the jungle town of Pucallpa. There they built a church and while Rollin preached the gospel, Juanita taught Sunday School. Upon returning to the United States, they opened York’s Appliance Center in New Castle, which they co-owned and operated until they retired. Juanita was a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Association in New Castle and she was also the oldest and longest living member of Memorial Wesleyan Church (formerly 9th Street Wesleyan), having become a member in 1947. She was faithful to attend and served in many capacities in her younger years at the church. Her hobbies included quilting, bird watching and tending her flower garden at her home on Parkside Drive. She took great pride in everything she did. Her favorite activities were shopping and traveling. She was fortunate to have traveled to all the continental states, many other countries and she and her husband were avid RV’ers. They wintered in Tucson, AZ, Palm Springs, CA, Hilton Head, SC and later settled in McAllen, TX for many winters. In the 80’s they began to winter in Gulf Shores, AL, where Juanita still enjoyed traveling to up until recently. Her two most recent trips were to the Ark Encounter in Kentucky this past November and several days in December she spent at Clifty Falls in Madison, IN with her daughter. Even though they were confined to their room, due to the pandemic, they enjoyed watching the barges on the river. She is survived by her children, Larry (Patricia) York of Spencer and Barbara (Dr. John) Durbin of Muncie; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters, Doris (William) Furrow, Ellen Keene, and Lois (Myron) Clark; two brothers, Alvin Jarrett (Mary) and Rollin Jarrett (Marty); an aunt, Viola Sneed; two sisters-in-law, Lois Jarrett and Kathy Jarrett; a close friend, Kathy Rogers and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; first grandson, Rick Alan York; two brothers, Charles, Daniel, and Roger Jarrett, and two sisters, Melba White and Fern Fadley. A private family funeral service will be held at Memorial Wesleyan Church with Dr. Joe Harmon and Todd York officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery West Lawn Addition. Due to COVID-19, social distancing will be observed at all times and the family requests that masks be worn except when seated. Memorial contributions may be made to Memorial Wesleyan Church, 2701 N. Memorial Dr. New Castle, IN 47362. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles Family and staff are honored to serve the family of Juanita York.

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Juanita Ruth York

July 14, 1924 - February 8, 2021