Juanita R. O’Nail, age 98, of The Plains, Ohio, formerly of Nelsonville, passed away February 27, 2023, at The Lindley Inn, The Plains, Ohio. She left a lasting impact on her family and friends and will be dearly missed by many.
Juanita was born February 9, 1925, in Murray City, Ohio to Charles B. Robinson and Mary Jane “Mayme” Sheline Robinson. She graduated from Murray City High School in 1943 and moved to Columbus, Ohio to work in the radio department of an airplane factory. That job was short-lived when she fell in love with her future husband, Robert P. O’Nail, whom she married in Gallipolis, Ohio in 1945. Juanita and Robert had two children, Peggy and Robert “Bobby” P. O’Nail, Jr., who they raised in Nelsonville, Ohio.
Juanita was a lifelong member of the Nelsonville Wesleyan Church where she taught Sunday School and was involved in the Missionary Society. In her later life, Juanita amazed her family and friends with her strong independence. Indeed, she lived alone (save her beloved cat, Greta) and was a licensed driver until her mid 90s. Juanita will also be remembered for her delicious deviled eggs, tremendous sweet tooth, and especially for her generosity in supporting her family in many ways. Above all, Juanita was a devout Christian who loved the Lord and served him faithfully for the entirety of her life.
Juanita was preceded in death by her son, Robert P. O’Nail in 1967, who died while serving in the Vietnam War; her husband, Robert P. O’Nail Sr. who passed away in 1974; second husband, Homer O’Nail who passed away in 2000; brothers, Jeff Robinson, Dean Robinson, Charles Robinson, and William Robinson; and sisters, Margaret Henderson and Yula Robinson.
Juanita leaves an enduring legacy in her daughter, Peggy (Ralph) Hartman; grandchildren, Andrea (Kelly) Hartman Slaughter and Brent (Sara) Hartman; and in her four great-grandchildren, Sophie Slaughter, Sage Slaughter, Emma Hartman, and Liza Hartman.
A memorial service for Juanita’s life was held at 10:00 am, Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Warren-Brown Funeral Home, Nelsonville, Ohio with Rev. Mike Thomas officiating. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery, Nelsonville, Ohio.
Calling hours were observed, 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Friday, March 3, 2023, at the funeral home.