Juanita Gettle Harlan, surrounded by family and friends, died peacefully on Saturday, February 20, 2010, in Beaumont, Texas.

She was born in Lewis, Kansas to Oliver Clarence and Elsie Mae Gettle on March 24, 1922.  Her early life was lived in the Wichita, Kansas area where she attended school and became an active leader in the Beechcraft Guardette Service Organization following World War II.  Juanita had a very active and varied career that included employment with Beechcraft and Boeing Airplane Industries. She was also a super saleslady, taught modeling courses and was a pioneer in the teaching of physical fitness.  Juanita was a fifty year member of the Order of Eastern Star as well as the national organization of Beta Sigma Phi. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a proud great-great grandmother of five generations. Her family was first and foremost in her life as she continued to play an active role in each of their lives.  She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and took pleasure in attending church with her family. 

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Val Harlan; her son-in-law, Bruce Allred; and was the last survivor of six siblings. 

She is survived by daughter, Jan Allred; grand-daughters, Patricia Moore and her husband David and Brenda McMakin and her husband Doug; great-grandchildren, Emily Moore Miller and her husband Christopher, Dwight Moore and his wife Morgan, Molly Moore, Doug Moore, Caroline Klein, Charles Klein, Art McMakin, and Madalyn McMakin, great-great grandchildren, Weston, Molly Grace, and Maggie Lea Miller all of Beaumont. 

Juanita will be dearly missed by her family, friends and many nieces and nephews who were tremendously important in her life.  She was a source of inspiration to all who knew her. Juanita was the epitome of a beautiful gracious lady.

A celebration of Juanita Harlan’s life will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in the sanctuary of Trinity United Methodist Church with Dr. Robert C. Shield officiating. A reception will follow in the Nita McKnight Parlor of the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77706 or to the charity of one’s choice.