Juanita "Nita" Sibert

Juanita “Nita” Sibert of Indianapolis passed away on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at the age of 96. She was born in Vincennes, Indiana on April 26, 1922 to Adolphus and Minnie Stodghill.

Juanita lived in several states growing up including Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia. In 1949, Juanita married the love of her life, John Sibert whom she met at the Cabin Creek Refinery – she a secretary and he a grounds keeper – in Hansford, West Virginia, moving to Washington D.C. where John began his career in the Secret Service. One of the early highlights of their marriage was attending a formal dinner for the Queen Mother of England and other distinguished guests at the White House with President Eisenhower and his wife Mamie. Following their time in Washington, John and Juanita settled in Indianapolis. Together they raised two daughters, Peggy and Linda, on Woodside Avenue becoming close friends with many of their neighbors. John and Juanita spent their time together doting on their daughters, traveling to many parts of the world and sharing good times and laughter with friends and extended family.

Much loved by her family and friends, Juanita enjoyed life to the fullest, bringing her fun-loving, sweet and sassy personality to the forefront of every relationship she had. She will be remembered for her wittiness and sense of humor, often bringing smiles to the faces of people around her frequently and unexpectedly. Among Juanita’s many loves and talents were baking fruitcakes using a traditional recipe handed down from her mother-in-law and then selling them, participating as a Girl Scout leader, playing the piano without sheet music in front of her, singing, gardening, sewing, owning and operating the Almost New Shoppe, doing flower arrangements, watching Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark or Free Willy with her grandchildren (or on her own), cooking and eating good food, devouring a box of chocolate covered cherries and traveling. Her favorite trip took her all the way to Egypt to see the Great Pyramid of Giza and other famous sites. She also ventured to Alaska, Hawaii, California, Jamaica, Venezuela, the Netherlands, Germany, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Roatan, the Bahamas and Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico.

Juanita was a very strong and gentle soul who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, John E. Sibert; parents Adolphus and Minnie (Vinson) Stodghill; and brothers Marvin Stodghill and Lathan Stodghill. She leaves behind to cherish her memory: daughters Peggy (Mark) Lindenlaub, Linda (Evan) Pritz; grandchildren Alaina (Tim) Shaw, Ryan (Sarah) Bassett, Kyle (Kallie) Pritz, Natalie Pritz; and great grandson Dax Bassett.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org/nca/donate.