Juanita Mae Elmore

Juanita Mae Elmore, 79, of Topeka, formerly of Tecumseh, passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2009 at McCrite Plaza. She was born on February 24, 1930 in Chanute, KS, the daughter of Ralph W. and Wanda Mitchell Gooch. She graduated from Highland Park High School. Juanita received a business degree from Washburn University where she was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. She was employed by the Kansas Highway Commission and the Kansas League of Municipalities. Juanita was a secretary for American States Insurance Company for many years before retiring. She spent her retirement years caring for children at Heights of Learning Day Care in Tecumseh. She was a member of Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church. Her activities included singing in the choir and acting as the director of the Junior Choir for several years. Her love of animals was shown through her contributions to various animal welfare charities. Juanita married Roger E. Elmore on August 6, 1954 in Topeka. He preceded her in death on May 1, 1999. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Darlene and spouse Bill Lieurance and her brother, Forrest Gooch. Survivors include two daughters, Debbie (Chris) Blessing, Traci (Brandon) Smith, four grandchildren, Hannah, Dawson, Grace, Tessa and her sister-in-law, Carol Gooch. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday at Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church. Graveside committal services will follow at 2:30 p.m. at West Lawn Memorial Gardens. Juanita will lie in state one hour prior to service time at the church. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church, 6020 SE 44th St., Tecumseh, KS 66542, Midland Care Hospice Services, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606 or Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 NW Rochester Rd., Topeka, KS 66617.