Obituary of Juanita Ternes

 

 

Juanita Gafford Armstrong Ternes

1924-2020

Entered Heaven on July 2^nd from McLoughlin Center, Portland, OR at age of 96. Before entering the Center she lived with, and was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Elizabeth, for almost 5 years. Before then, they had separate homes but frequently spent much time together enjoying each other’s company for church attendance, shopping, dining out and some travel.

Her parents were John Roy Gafford and Ruth Elizabeth (Cleveland) Gafford. She was born in Texas, the sixth in line of seven children. She was the last surviving member of the Gafford family.

Married Robert E. Armstrong in 1944 and from this marriage two daughters were born. Robert died in 1983. In 1973 she married Phil Ternes; he died in 1987

She is survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth Ohm of Portland, OR and Jo Schima of Lakeside, OR.

Juanita loved watching things grow and everywhere she lived she had a beautiful garden filled with pretty flowers and shrubs. She cared about people and enjoyed making home visits, especially to those unable to leave their homes. She loved animals and welcomed them into her home, even unusual ones such as terrapins, chameleons, lab mice, goldfish, birds, dogs, cats and injured animals. All were treated with love and attention.

In a journal, she wrote of her love for both Bob and Phil. Upon Phil’s death she spoke of returning to the lonely road she experienced at Bob’s death. She expressed it thus:

 

                Some day my life like theirs will cease,

                And I will go to eternal peace.

                May those whom I hold dear

                Let me go without any fear.

                Just trust in God and come on home

                And there we will never be alone.

 

She is truly at peace in her forever home, Heaven.

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