Juanita M. (Bence) Koehn, 81, died February 6, 2013 at her home in Newton. She was born June 19, 1931 in Bentley to Merle J. and Esther Gertrude (Decker) Bence. She lived in the Newton area, where she attended Cooper Grade School and graduated from Newton High School in 1949. She worked at a local drug store and helped serve refreshments to trainloads of soldiers during World War II.
Juanita met Walter Koehn in 1948 and they were married on July 17, 1949. They were married for 63 1/2 years and had four chidren, Mark, Julie, Patty and Daniel.
Juanita was a fun loving person who liked to laugh, be with her family and cook. She njoyed bowling and was active in a Pinochle Club. She was a big KU basketball fan and an avid reader of books. She was a member of First Mennonite Church.
Survivors: husband, Walter L. Koehn; children, Mark Koehn, Julie Funderburg, Patty Phillips and Daniel Koehn; sister, Vera Holderman. She was preceded in death by her parents, Merle J. Bence and Esther G. Decker Barfield.
Services will be February 9 at the First Mennonite Church of Newton. Petersen Funeral H ome is in charge of arrangements.
