Juanita Francis , October 13, 1919 — February 23, 2019

Juanita Ann Francis, 99 of Petoskey, died February 23, 2019 at the Bay Bluffs Medical Care Facility. Juanita was born on October 13, 1919 in Fletcher, OH, the daughter of Charles and Sadie (Harp) Niswonger. After the death of her mother at the age of 2, she was raised by her aunt Pernina Brockman, who all of Juanita’s children affectionately referred to as Grandma.

As a teenager, her family moved to Pellston where She graduated from the Pellston High school with the Class of 1938 and enjoyed swimming, gymnastics, and dancing. On February 1, 1941, Juanita married the love of her life, Floyd Francis. Together they made their home in Petoskey and they would have been married just shy of 68 years when Floyd preceded her in death on January 27, 2009.

Juanita always saw the good in people and had a ready smile for anyone she encountered, as well as a helping hand for those in need. She was active in her church and was a true entrepreneur. In 1966, she started Might Fine Pizza in Petoskey and continued to run it until her retirement.

She enjoyed reading, knitting and crocheting, but her greatest love was her family. Juanita was always interested in her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s lives and kept up with all of their activities and interests. She will be greatly missed by her family and those that knew her.

Juanita is survived by four children, Barbara (Larry) Fata of Lansing, Carolyn (Charles) Smith of Indian River, Mary (Tom) Behan of Harbor Springs, and Mark (Lori) Francis of Petoskey; nine grandchildren, Chris Fata, Sheri Kuhbander, Jennifer Norman, Mark Fata, Kelly Rose, Kim Liddy, Tom Behan, Julie Cotter and Andrew Francis; and by 19 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Floyd; 3 brothers, Marvin, Charles, and Sam Niswonger; and by a sister, Mary Moore. A service celebrating Juanita’s life will be held at the Stone Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 27th at 11am, with the family receiving friends at the funeral home from 10am until the time of service.

Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Bay Bluffs for the excellent care that Juanita received during her time with them.

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