Juanita M. Philippi Williams, 84, died Thursday, June 12, 2008, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute.

She was born Sept. 9, 1923, in Chanute, the daughter of Ross E. and Zella McColl Philippi. She lived in Independence most of her life with her husband and sons until the family moved to Chanute in 1967. Juanita Married Jay Williams on Sept. 20, 1947, at the Presbyterian Church in Independence. She was preceded in death by their oldest son David in 1993. She is survived by her husband Jay and son Robert.

Juanita worked as a telegrapher for the Santa Fe Railroad during World War II and later for the Sinclair Pipe Line Company until 1953. She served three and a half years on the Senior Advisory Committee of Kansas Blue Cross Blue Shield. She was active for several years in what was then the Women’s division of the Chanute Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in starting the Farmer’s Market in Chanute. Her interests were bridge, golf, reading and children, for whom her home was always open.

Juanita was a communicant of Grace Episcopal Church. She served on the Diocesan Women’s Board and was active in many ministries of the church.

She has been cremated and a memorial Eucharist will be celebrated at Grace Episcopal Church at 11 a.m. June 21 with the Rev. Nancy Shank as the celebrant.

Memorials may be made to Grace Episcopal Church or Cherry Street Youth Center. They may be left at the church or Penwell-Gabel’s Funeral Home.