Juanita B. Towne, 73, Homemake and Mother

She was born December 29, 1931 in Amherst and has been a lifelong resident.

In addition to being a homemaker and a mother, she worked as a cashier for the local Sparkle Market and Meyer-Goldberg grocery stores. She was a member of the Amherst Congregational United Church of Christ. Juanita was also a lifetime member of the Amherst V.F.W. Post #1662 Ladies Auxiliary and an active member of the Lorain County LOBO’s Club. She loved spending time with her family and friends, bowling, and flower gardening.

Survivors include her husband of fifty-five years, Ellsworth C. “Zeke” Towne: her sons Kenneth C. Towne of Westlake, and Dennis A. Towne of Amherst; her daughters Cynthia S. Sturgell of Oberlin and Susan R. Watson of Amherst; nine grandchildren; one great grandson, her brother Clinton Branscum of Lorain; and her sisters Susie Spivey of Connersville, Indiana and Pauline Lowe of Vermilion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, McKinley and Ollie Branscum (nee: Byrley); by her brothers Chuck Branscum and Harold Branscum; and by her sisters Lucy Barnett and Palestine Branscum.

Friends may call Wednesday, March 16, 2005, from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday, March 17, 2005, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Avenue, Amherst where the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion will hold a 7 p.m. service on Thursday. Funeral services will be held Friday, at 11 a.m. from the funeral home. The Rev. Attila Szemesi, pastor of Amherst Congregational United church of Christ will officiate. Burial will be in Resthaven Memory Garden, Avon.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph; 5255 North Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035 or Amherst Congregational Untied Church of Christ; 379 South Main Street, Amherst, Ohio 44001.