Juanita Mae Kluender, 83, Carthage, Missouri, passed away Monday morning, March 1, 2021 at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri. Juanita was born January 5, 1938 in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Fernald Nelson and Eleanor (Elsey) Nelson. She married Scott Kluender on December 3, 1986 in Kirksville, Missouri. She loved gardening, fishing, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a member of the First Christian Church, Carthage.
Survivors include her husband of 34 years, Scott Kluender; four daughters, Chris Tibbitts (Ken), Geraldine Howell (John), Kimberly Sanders, and Rebecca Blanton; two sons, Larry Swain (Candy), and Anthony Swain; a sister, Carmita Guffey; two nieces, Renelda Guffey, and Regina Robertson; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Per Juanita’s wishes, there was cremation. Private family services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.