We’ve lost a friend. Anyone who met Juanita M. Straight became a friend or shirt-tail relative. Everyone will agree she was kind-hearted, giving, fun-loving, and found the humor in life.
Juanita Mae Watson Straight was born on a farm May 15, 1922 East of Eaton, CO, the very same farm where her father was born. Since 2017, she was a resident of Elizabeth, CO. Formerly, she lived at St. Andrews Village, Aurora Colorado. She left us on September 18, 2018, in her daughter’s home, at the age of 96 years. She was proud of there being 5 generations alive in her family.
Juanita was raised in Eaton and later Greeley, CO where she graduated from Greeley High School and went on to Business School. During high school, she met and later married the love of her life, Danley Elson Straight Sr., in 1942 before Elson’s service in the Air Force in WWII. Elson and Juanita traveled and lived throughout the United States and Panama during his 30 years in the Air Force. They thrived on the military lifestyle and in their enthusiasm added 4 Air Force Angels to their family. In those 30 years, they established 30 households. In 1976, the couple moved to Longmont, CO where they were actively involved in their church and community. Juanita added 3 more moves for a total of 33 households.
Although Juanita described herself as a Housewife, was often recognized by family as a Professional Volunteer, dedicating her life to helping others. Both She and Elson founded the Rollins Pass Restoration Association historical organization in 1983. Dedicated to preserving and opening the Needles Eye Tunnel on Rollins Pass. Juanita and her daughter, Su continued to be active as Co-Presidents of RPRA. She supported the Red Cross for over 55 years performing various jobs from rolling bandages, teaching swimming, to Branch Council Chair of the Mile High Chapter. She and Elson taught disaster preparedness classes, and the couple carried a pager for 28 years to respond to emergencies in Boulder County. Juanita was recognized by the Chapter Honor Roll in 1988 and the Straight’s received an award for Family Volunteerism in 1990. Juanita was a hospital volunteer wherever they lived. She worked over 700 hours per year in Longmont and belonged to the Patient Advocacy Team. During her time living at St. Andrews Village, Juanita was voted to be the first female President of the Resident’s Council, serving 2 terms. She was selected Colorado Mother of the Year by Colorado Mothers, Inc. in 1992. Her church was always important and she served Covenant Presbyterian DTC many terms as Deacon. Fridays would find her volunteering in the Covenant Cupboard Food Pantry.

Keeping in touch with friends, playing bridge, reading, and knitting were major enjoyments during her entire life. She loved the out-of-doors, becoming a gardener, hunter, and fisher. Juanita was an avid traveler, her favorite place to visit was Churchill, AK, where they got to see the Polar Bears.
Juanita will be sadly missed by family, friends and acquaintances. Her family includes: daughters, Kathleen Marie Andreson PhD Albuquerque, NM, Su Ann Eckhardt MA(Randy) Elizabeth, CO, and son Danley Elson Straight Jr. (Susan) Highlands Ranch, CO; Grandchildren, Steve Andreson (Karen Savage), Shelly Rose, Beth Eckhardt MD(Eric Korbach MD), Kris Eckhardt (PJ Delgadillo), Tina Denning (John), Tammy Shipe (Jerry), Thom Straight, Travis Straight, Tristin Papenfuse, Jenna Morfeld (Brian), and Cassie Straight; Great-Grandchildren Rachel Rose, Renee Rose, Nate Eckhardt-Delgadillo, Miranda Eckhardt-Delgadillo, Ben Eckhardt-Delgadillo, Evelyn Korbach, Henry Korbach, John Patrick Denning IV, Gwen Lauer, Maddie Shipe, Ethan Straight, Riley Straight, Jackson Straight, and Tilly Papenfuse; Great-Great-Grandchildren Lochlyn, Taelyn, and Callan Lauer.
Juanita was predeceased by her parents, John and Pearl Watson, her sister, Loree Lallo, her husband, Col. Danley Elson Straight Sr, and son, Thomas Allen Straight.
Services on Saturday, September 29, 2018
Morning – 10:00 am Graveside Committal at Linn Grove, Cemetery, 1700 Cedar Ave. Greeley, Colorado, 80631
Afternoon – 1:30 pm Celebration of Life at Covenant Presbyterian DTC, 5400 S. Yosemite St., Greenwood Village, Colorado, 80111
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Covenant Cupboard Food Pantry

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