Juanita Christopher

Juanita Christopher

Mary Juanita Mace Christopher, 97, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Silverdale, WA.

Juanita was born April 25, 1925, in Portland, CO to James “Abe” and Blanche Govern Mace. In her grade school years, the family moved to Missoula where she completed her education in the Missoula schools.

During World War II she moved to Everett, WA to support the war effort working in the office at the Everett Marine Works where they built PT boats and later at Paine Field. At the end of the war, she returned to Missoula.

Juanita married Robert Christopher on October 14, 1950. They shared 54 years together before Bob passed in 2004. They greatly enjoyed their children and grandchildren, the beauty of their ranch and the love of each other. She was especially proud of her rose garden.

She accepted a position at the Missoulian in 1944 and except for the brief time she worked for Drs. Brewer, Babcock & Morrison, she was a dedicated employee until her retirement in 1986. In her over 40 years at the Missoulian she saw many changes and was instrumental in the computerization of the accounting department.

Following Bob’s passing, she moved to Silverdale, WA to be closer to family.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob; son Gene and daughter-in-law Bev Christopher; son-in-law John Beers and grandson Gary Beers; also, her sisters Helen Jacobson and Viola Starr.

She is survived by two daughters, Brenda Beers and Jill Spieker and her husband Michael. Also surviving are grandsons, Robert and Terry Christopher and Brian and Chris Beers; granddaughters Amy Spieker and Angela Spieker Gaulke; eight great grandchildren and six great, great grandchildren. Also, several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Juanita’s life will be held at 2:00pm, Saturday, October 15th at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to St. Jude Society or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.