Juanita Samuelsen

Juanita Irene Samuelsen

November 24th, 1952 – January 19th 2023

Juanita passed away peacefully in home with her son by her side.

Born Nov 24th, 1952, in Dove Creek Colorado to James & Wanita Parker, she was the 10th out of 11 kids. She passed away peacefully in her home

Graduated from Castleford High School in Castleford Idaho.

She met and married Theadore “Ted” Samuelsen in Lovington New Mexico and helped raise his 2 kids from a previous marriage, Jody and Wesley.

She and Ted lived in New Mexico for a time around Juanita’s father until his passing then moved to Seneca Oregon to be around Ted’s mother Inez and Grandmother Cora (Granny Whitworth). Ted had other children from previous marriages they occasionally saw and took care of 4 daughters; Sunday, Buffy, Dawn and Jessica (Jody and Wesley’s siblings) 3 sons: Sonny Ray, Danny and Christian. They attempted to adopt a little boy but sadly the baby passed before they could.

While living in Seneca mom and dad enjoyed being part of a CB club and at one point were the towns fire chief and assistant fire chief. A short time later in life Ted, Juanita, Jody and Wesley relocated to the LC Valley where mom had several jobs in the area, she worked at Shopko when it first opened in Lewiston, worked for the Lewis Clark Headstart. Her and Ted also did maintenance and cleanup for Madeline Howard, Alene Toucher and Paul Cargill of Cargill Realty. In 1987 her and Ted welcomed daughter Edith in the world, in 1990 son Stanley and in 1992 finally daughter Ellen.

In 1995 mom and dad took a Sunday drive and ended up in Kamiah Idaho. They raised their 3 youngest children in Kamiah/Kooskia area. Here Ted and Juanita were a part of the Kamiah Elementary School P.T.O. together. She worked for A.N.S. for many years taking care of and getting to know many wonderful people. She worked there until Ted became sick and she retired to take care of him until his passing in 2012. After his death she briefly worked at It’se Ye-Ye Casino before she fully retired. She was known by many for her 1st prize winning frybread and would gladly make it for any who asked.

She is proceeded in death by her parents James and Wanita Parker, Sisters Margeret-Ann Parker, Cosie May Aulston, Mary Luper, Alma Allen and Ada Cloene Parker. Brothers Lloyd Parker, Charles Parker, and John Parker Sr. and her loving husband Theadore Samuelsen.

She is survived by two sisters Ethel Marie Jacobsen, and Lois Mason. Sister-in-laws Velma Parker, Virginia Parker and Mary Parker. Her children; Jody Hughes, Wesley Hunsaker, Edith Samuelsen, Stanley Samuelsen, and Ellen (Daniel) Dotson. Bonus children; Johnae Wasson, Corina Norman, Dallon Wheeler Jr., Matt Wheeler Manny Wheeler and Charles Gengler. Grandchildren Makayla Spears, Ashleah (Jeff) Grandstaff, Spenser Hughes, Tanner Hughes, Charity Marietta, Tylan Samuelsen, Kraig Slickpoo, Eben Slickpoo Jr., and Theadore (Teddy) Dotson. Bonus sisters; Barbara Fisher, Janet and Billie BlackEagle. Cousin Dave Neunshwander and many beloved nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.