Juanita Lucille Alexander

Juanita Lucille Alexander A long-time Albuquerque resident died Monday, March 17, 2014. She was born April 7, 1918. Juanita started her teaching career in a one room school house and retired from a long career as a reading specialist in the Albuquerque Public Schools. Her love of children and teaching continued through many years as she lead classes in Sunday school at St. John�s United Methodist Church. Juanita and her husband Merle Wayne Alexander, who preceded her in death in 1996, enjoyed summer camping vacations into wilderness areas of the Western U.S. and Alaska. They lived a life of purpose, providing much support to the Ford and Alexander families, including her brother Trammell who died in 2000. Her other brother, Kenneth, died while serving in WWII. Juanita is survived by five nieces and nephews who live in California and Oregon. They are Candace Ford Gray (John); Judi Ford Smith (Dan); and children Will; Andrew; Robert; and Danelle; Kenneth Ford (Beverly); and children Megan Ford Smith (Jeramie); and Aleesha Ford Rubini (Nate); Trammell Brady Ford, Jr. (Charlotte); and children Tram and Brian (Naomi); Fanci Ford Stow (Tom) and children Kelly (Jake); Ryan; and Kaelen. She also has numerous great-grand nieces and nephews. Also grieving for her passing is long time devoted friend, Mary Lou Brito, who became �like a daughter� to Juanita, Mary Lou and her husband Art, and children Art, Jr. (Sharon); Tanya (Jim); and Matthew (Stephanie). Other especially close friends are Vern and Betty Easley who lived next door to Alexander's for over 50 years and had provided much assistance and companionship to her. Gary Plumlee (Gloria); Juanita�s second cousin, also visited with her often at the Manzano del Sol nursing home where she spent her final years. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Oliver and his wife, Kathleen, and their children Wanda Stailey (Ron); Ginger Fisher (Cecil); and Huel. Juanita enjoyed telling stories of her growing up, and retelling stories of her father, Oscar Ford, who was one of the last cowboys to ride the famous Good Night trail in the early 1900�s. Many of these stories have been recorded and transcribed as family treasures. Juanita supported her parents in their retirement on the family ranch outside of Las Vegas, NM and has maintained the land for four generations. Visitation Sunday, March 23, 2014 from 2:00pm to 6:00 pm. at Daniels Family Funeral Services. Services will be held Monday, March 24, 2014 at 10:00am, at St. John�s United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona St, NE, Albuquerque 87110. Viewing will be on Sunday, March 23, from 2:00pm to 6:00 pm. at Daniels Family Funeral Services, To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com