Juanita Ann Chovanak, age 87, passed away on October 7, 2024, in Helena, MT. Born on December 13, 1936 in Helena to Raymond and Dorothy French. Juanita dedicated her life to her family and enjoyed a loving marriage of 68 years with her husband, Andy.
They met in high school as Juniors and sat next to each other in English class. Juanita was a straight A student and Andy got C’s. He thought she was very pretty but didn’t have the courage to ask her out. When Andy was a senior, he moved to a different school but found out Juanita was working at Vigilante Theater. Suddenly he found the need to go out to the movies more often. They dated and married at 20 years of age in 1956. They lived happily ever after with a few bumps in the road.
Juanita was a very loving daughter, wife and mother. Who loved caring for her family, traveling with Andy, and spent many golden moments at a family ranch in the Chessman Reservoir area. An avid hiker, Juanita found peace and solace in the trails and landscapes that surrounded her Montana home. Her love for the outdoors was a significant part of her life, providing countless cherished memories with her family.
She is survived by her husband, Andy; her sister, Judy Tucker and family, her children, Cathy Ransier, Curt Chovanak and his wife Maggie, and Dan Chovanak, her daughter-in-law Marcy Chovanak; her grandchildren, Tamisha, Cory, Anthony, Rachel, Kasey, and Riley; and her great-grandchildren. Juanita joined her beloved family in heaven including her parents, her son, David, and grandchild Jamie.
Services to honor Juanita’s life will be held at Retz Funeral Home/Simple Cremations, located at 315 E 6th Ave in Helena at 3:pm on Monday October 14th. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, a cause close to Juanita’s heart, reflecting her compassionate spirit.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m.
Monday October 14, 2024
Retz Funeral Home/Simple Cremations
315 E 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m.
Monday October 14, 2024
Retz Funeral Home/Simple Cremations
315 E 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Vanessa Tolson says
Andy and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Sending 🙏
Vanessa Tolson
John & Cherie Dahl says
Andy and family, our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time 🙏🙏🙏
Judy Webster says
Dear Curt, Maggie, and kids; may you all be surrounded by love, peace, and comfort as you say goodbye for now to your Mom & Grandma. Sweet memories and until you’re reunited.
John DJ can says
All of us Duncan kids remember Juanita when we were kids and later in life when our parents (Sis and Phil) passed away. When I was young I always thought she was one of the prettiest women in Helena. Many loving thoughts to her family. John Duncan
Jamie says
Dear Andy and family, I am so sorry to hear about Juanita’s death. She was a beautiful lady inside and out . I enjoyed taking care of her over the years. We had wonderful talks about family and life in general. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless Jamie Van Horssen
Diann C Fradette says
Dear Andy and family,
I am so sad to hear of Juanita’s passing. I first met her in the 5th grade at Central School when we Jefferson kids advanced to 5th grade. I considered her a good friend from then on. When my youngest son Don needed a sitter after kindergarten he went to Chovanaks for a short period of time. Bless you all and may all the wonderful memories of her comfort you.
❤️Diann Cleveland FRADETTE.
Raelene Kemner says
Andy I am so sorry to learn of Jaunita’s passing🥲 I always look forward to see the two of you shopping at Albertsons ❣️She will be missed! If I can do anything for you please let me know!!
Your favorite cashier at Albertsons ❣️❣️
Raelene
Mike Harvey says
The Harvey family sends our deepest condolences to Andy and family at this very sad time. We were family friends growing up and even though all these years have gone by, fond memories of the good times we shared together remain. Juanita will be missed. You are in our prayers.
Nancy Tyanich says
Andy and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Juanita’s passing. She was a wonderful lady who was involved in her family. She’ll be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Nancy Tyanich
Jim Burrington says
Curt and Maggie,
Sorry to read of your mom’s passing in the I/R that we just now received (Monday) and too late for us to get to the funeral. We’ll call you later.
Jim and Jo Burrington
Julie (Beaver) Ladd says
Andy and family,
Juanita was always so gracious and sweet whenever we would meet on the trails or in church. Her kindnesses will be remembered always. Blessings to you all,
Julie (Beaver) Ladd