Juanita Stembridge

Juanita Lee Brown (Nita) Stembridge passed away January 30, 2021.  Nita was born March 19, 1930 in Oakland, CA to Thomas Edward Brown and Lorea Lee Hickman Brown.  Preceded in death by her loving husband Elden Stembridge, her sister Geraldine Ercanbrack, and grandson Mason Stembridge.  Survived by her brother, Thomas Brown of Peoa, UT.  Nita leaves behind 8 children: Debbie Graybill, Gregg (Denise) Stembridge, Peggy (Rob) Hartman, Kate Andreason, Carol (Sheldon)Wilde, Jill Jones, Bart (Martha) Stembridge, and Kurt (Richele) Stembridge, 31 grandchildren, and 52 great grandchildren.

Nita grew up in Rockport and Coalville, UT, graduated from North Summit High School and married Elden Stembridge of Peoa, UT on September 19, 1949.  Except for their LDS mission to San Diego, she and Elden never lived anywhere other than their first home in Peoa.  Nita loved her home and all the wonderful memories it represented.  We are grateful for everyone who helped her remain there as she wished.

Nita was a committed member of the LDS Church and served in many capacities.  Her favorite calling was teaching older teenagers in Sunday School.  Nita was the first woman to serve on the South Summit School Board, a position she held for 16 years where she made a difference in the lives of Kamas Valley children.  She loved traveling and she and Elden took several trips overseas, to mink sales in the U.S., or to pick up a new bus for the school board.  In recent years, Nita enjoyed traveling with her daughters.

Nita loved people and had a genuine interest in everyone’s well-being and happiness.  She was always ready to listen, always had time for others, always cared deeply, and always loved unconditionally.  Always.  Nita was a true friend to many.  Nita never forgot a birthday or an anniversary and put confetti in her cards.  She was an amazing example for her family who are left with wonderful memories and gratefulness for her role in their lives.  Nita loved rainbows, children’s laughter, moonlit nights, a wood fire burning, hugs, and the fall season.  Most of all, she loved her family and the gospel.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private funeral service for immediate family will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2021, at 12 p.m. at the Peoa Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A viewing for family members will be held between 11:00 – 11:45 am . The service will be live streamed, the streaming will be on the “Peoa Ward” YouTube channel. .  Arrangements are entrusted to Crandall Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Wanship Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Nita’s name to the Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, https://intermountainhealthcare.org/primary-childrens/give.