Juanita Russell

Juanita M. Russell 78, of Chillicothe, IL passed away at 5:30pm on Friday, June 28, 2024, at the ARC of Chillicothe. She was born on October 24, 1945, in Cleveland, OH the daughter of Dennis and Irma (Bokros) Thorpe. She married Raymond Russell on October 4, 1970 in California.

Juanita is survived by her daughter Marie (Nick) Alvarado of Chillicothe, two grandchildren Cooper and Jacob, her brother Ronald (Heidi) Thorpe and two nieces.

Juanita spent most of her career working for the University of Illinois College of Medicine where she received the Dean's Award. She loved to be outdoors gardening and enjoying nature. She was an avid Sci-Fi reader but especially enjoyed all things Star Trek and Star Wars. She loved to collect stamps and craft. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren Cooper and Jacob.

While there will be no public services, Juanita's family will privately celebrate her life. Her remains will be buried in her hometown of Cleveland. Her family invites you to share your favorite stories and memories of Juanita to honor her memory. To share that memory or send a condolence to her family, visit www.peoriafuneral.com. Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services of Central Illinois, Peoria has been entrusted with her arrangements.