Lasting Memories

Juanita Radabaugh
Oct. 10, 1916-Dec. 3, 2016
Palo Alto, California
Submitted by Debra Gordon

In Loving Memory of Juanita Radabaugh

It is with great sadness that we bring you the news that Juanita M. Radabaugh, aged 100, passed away peacefully in her sleep, with her daughters by her side, on December 3, 2016. Juanita was the beloved wife of Ralph Radabaugh, mother of Dennis; is survived by her three daughters in the SF Bay Area, Linda Gordon, Sue Alexander and Debra Gordon; her nine grandchildren Rebecca Ibel of Columbus, Ohio, Melinda McCabe of Los Angeles, Mark Gettys and Gary Gettys of San Francisco, Jessica Gordon of Los Angeles, and Will Gordon of Mill Valley, Chloe Gordon of New York City, Allegra Gordon of San Francisco, and Brad Radabaugh of Taylorsville, Utah; and her five great-grandchildren, Sarah Ibel, Quinn Gettys, Aiden Gettys, Aliyah Gettys and Jessica Renner; and her great-great-grandchildren Carson Renner and Austyn Moses.

Juanita was born in Rogers, Arkansas, where she was a beauty queen and valedictorian of her high school class. Awarded a full scholarship to the University of Arkansas, she was compelled to turn it down to stay near her family. Nevertheless, she remained committed to education, and all of the women in her family completed college degrees. In 1936, after meeting and marrying Ralph, a dashing professional baseball player, she relocated to Toledo, Ohio, where Ralph became interim coach of the University of Toledo nine, and then the Jim White AA Team. They raised four children there, from birth through high school. After Ralph retired from Reliance Electric, Juanita and Ralph moved to Naples, Florida, for a life of golf, card games and community, again making lifelong friends almost overnight.

Juanita made a big impression on everyone she met, from neighbors to club members, from Ralph’s co-workers to the many friends brought home by her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered by loved ones for her creativity: she was an inspired designer of home interiors and clothing; she tailored and sewed original couture-quality dresses, gowns, jackets and coats; she was a skilled painter, toy-maker and puzzle-crafter; and she was a terrific cook and baker, whose “ninety-nine” casserole was always her grandchildren’s favorite. Juanita also had high level skills in management and numbers, from home budgeting and family organization to bridge, dominoes, poker and even her ability to count cards. She was a strong role-model for the three generations of women and girls in her family, for her family values, her high ethics and kindness. She took very seriously her role as family matriarch, and her most favorite activity of all was family gatherings. She always had time to focus on the youngsters, to hear a life story, to share thoughts and advice and to help out in any way. She also loved the ebb and flow of politics and was only disappointed that she didn’t live to see a woman elected US President.

Juanita loved holidays and birthdays and always emphasized giving and sharing. Even when her family had to scrimp and save for their own presents, she would always find a way to share the spirit with less fortunate families. Juanita fostered the value that no matter how little you had, you still were obliged to share with those in need. Some of her daughters’ favorite memories were the holiday trips to delighted families, with cars full of clothing, food and toys. She even leveraged her own efforts by organizing Brownie troops, school groups and civic clubs “to do the right thing.” The family almost thought that Mrs. Claus must have been named Juanita.

Juanita moved to California during the Fall of 2005, as one of the pioneering residents of the Vi and immediately made a group of close-knit best friends: Esther Benninger, and the departed Alice Chetkovich, Lee and Dixie Otterson, and Virginia “Ginny” Sherwood. This lively and loyal group shared many dinners, card games, adventures and events over the years, with Juanita’s birthday celebration in Woodside as the annual October highlight. In fact, Esther sat in the place of honor at Juanita’s right side during the recent joyous One Century Celebration, hosted by her daughters and their husbands, where she was honored by her family with a full-length biography, written by her daughter Sue Alexander, and the following poem from the Gordon family:

If I

If I live to be one hundred, if I live so long, I want my wisdom lyricized in poetry and song. I hope that my great-grandchildren are vassals in my kingdom, Attending to my every need, sitting at my knee for wisdom.

I hope my great-grandkids will dance for me, my grandchildren will attend, Because love is the only currency that earns interest when you spend. It would be splendid to share stories about the best moments of our shared past, And that my birthday celebration doesn’t end a bit too fast.

I will kiss all my favorite people today, and cherish everyone who shows. And I will be honored by far-away friends who have sent me videos. Today will be my holiday, with all my loved ones well arrayed. My dinner table guests are more precious to me than a gold key or a parade.

If I live to be one hundred, there will be just seventy thousand others like me, And all we really want for a present is to enjoy our legacy. I don’t need to explore Jupiter and Mars, the comets or the galaxy; When I am with my loved ones, my heart overcomes all gravity. If I live to be one hundred, all I want is more time with family!

October 10, 2016

Juanita’s family wants to express their gratitude to the Vi community and exceptional staff, who have been so giving to her and her friends over the years. The family members will particularly miss the walks around the pond, the rose garden, the beautifully maintained hallways, gathering around the fireplace and listening to the resident piano player.