Obituary of Juanita K Smith Ricci

Juanita K. Smith Ricci, 70, of West Liberty, died Thursday, July 10, 2014 at Windmill Manor in Coralville, Iowa. Visitation will be from 5:30-8:00 p.m., Monday, July 14th at the Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 15th, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials in Juanita's name can be made to Iowa Lion's Eye Bank or Juvenile Diabetes Association. Juanita Kay Smith was born January 1, 1944, in Iowa City; daughter of James W. and Mary Jane (Herman) Smith. She graduated from University High School and went on to attend the Iowa City Commercial College. She used the skills acquired at the college her entire life working as a secretary, bookkeeper, and manager. For the past 20 years, Juanita operated Liberty Anodizing, a career she truly enjoyed. When not working she excelled at cooking, needle work, crafts, and being a grandmother and an aunt. She married John C. Ricci, December 29, 1976, in Iowa City and together they lived in West Liberty until his death in 2007. Although residing in West Liberty, Juanita was proud that she was able to take over her family farm near Iowa City upon her father's death in 1986. Her family includes John's children: David Ricci (Julie) of Iowa City and Kitura Main (Robert) of Bemidji, Minnesota; sister, Mary Lou Smith Jensen of North English; brothers James H. Smith (Carolyn) and William L. Smith (Cindy) both of Iowa City; grandchildren: Daniel and Cassie Ricci, Hana, Lilly, and Jackie Main as well as extended family members and her beloved dog Bella. Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her sister Joann Smith Leinbaugh.