Juanita Luessen, age 101, of Valley City, ND, formerly of Russellville, AR, died Saturday, May 28th at SMP St. Raphael, in Valley City. A private family service will take place at a later date. Inurnment will be in Woodbine Cemetery in Valley City.
Juanita Ruth Cozort, the daughter of Clarence and Blanche (Billingsley) Cozart, was born November 18, 1920 in Fulton County, Arkansas. Juanita had one brother Rodney and a sister Lodema Jensen. She married Frank Luessen in 1939, the couple had four children: Francia Nita Luessen, Frederick (Maureen) Luessen, Charles (Linda) Luessen and Frank Jonathan (Theresa) Luessen. The couple moved to Valley City, ND and Juanita attended and graduated from Valley City State University. She also did some graduate work at the University of North Dakota. She taught English and French for 18 years. She began teaching in LuVerne, ND, and taught in West Fargo, Valley City at the High School and at Valley City State University. She and her husband were very active in the Valley City community. In 1978, the couple retired and moved to Russellville, AR. Juanita was very active in the Russellville community. She was a devote member of the First Christian Church, Russellville County Club, River Valley Art Center, Hoe and Hope Garden Club and her Bridge Club. She also enjoyed a sewing career for several years.
Juanita is survived by her three sons, three daughters-in-laws, four grandsons and four great-grandsons; numerous dear friends including Carol and Vicki.
Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a daughter, a brother and a sister.
Funeral arrangements by the Lerud Mathias Funeral Home of Valley City, ND. An online guest book is available at www.lerudmathias.com. The family prefers memorials to the First Christian Church of Russellville or the Valley City State University Performing Arts Center.