Juanita Ruth Chrisco

Juanita Ruth (Culwell) Chrisco, 85, formerly of Ballinger passed away unexpectedly Wednesday morning, January 30, 2013 at Park Plaza Nursing Center in San Angelo. She has gone to join her beloved husband, S.C. (Jack), who preceded her in death in 2011. Juanita was born October 7, 1927 to Iona (Keel) and John Culwell in Ballinger, Texas and married her lifelong sweetheart, Jack, in October 1944.

Juanita was blessed with an exciting, bountiful life. She traveled a great deal with her military husband. They were stationed in San Angelo TX, San Diego CA, St. Louis MO, Japan, England, and Hanscom Field, Massachusetts. Upon his retirement, they bought a large farm in Dennisville, Maine where they raised Belted Galloways for local dairy farmers. They moved back to Texas in 1979 to be nearer to their family. Upon their return Juanita went to work at Goodfellow AFB in the civil service for the military as she had for more than 20 years during their travels until she retired with many honors and accolades. In the mid 1980's Juanita and Jack bought back Juanita's family home, The Olde Park Hotel, on the courthouse square in Ballinger where they and their daughters ran a successful antique shop and bed & breakfast for more than 20 years.

Juanita was known to family and friends for her warm heart, generous nature, and sweet smile. Her kitchen always smelled of turkey roasting, pie baking, and fresh coffee brewing. Telling and listening to stories, often based on family, travels, and her love of animals, was always a great pastime for Juanita. The richest stories were about the family’s history of music, juke boxes, pinball machines, fireworks stands, carnies, and, of course, “Okinawa.” Throughout their lifetime, wherever they lived, Juanita and Jack (“Cat’s Mommy” and “Krinkles”) offered their home and friendship to many, many people.

Juanita leaves behind a son, Franklin Jack Chrisco and his wife, Ingrid, in Vermont; two daughters, Jeanette Findlay-Truehardt and April Stout; seven grandchildren, Christina Peters and husband, David, Christopher Findlay and wife, Jillian Laage, John Daniel Findlay-Truehardt and wife, Brittis, Michael Findlay-Truehardt, Scott Stout, as well as Zachary and Joel Chrisco. Also left to cherish her memory are five great-grandchildren, Priscilla Findlay, Phylisha Elliott, Preston Pruitt, John Cale Laage-Findlay and Ryland Jack Laage (Me2) Findlay; nephew, J.P. Merrifield and wife, Jan, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family offers special thanks to the staffs of Park Plaza and Girling Home Health.

Visitation will be Friday, February 1 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Another time of visitation will take place on Saturday, February 2 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. which will be prior to the funeral service. The service will be at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at Lange Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Ballinger Evergreen Cemetery.