Juanita K. (Green) Small, 75, of Olney, IL, passed away peacefully in the loving hands of her daughters on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 in her home. She had a smile on her face as God welcomed her into heaven. Juanita was born August 12, 1949 in Olney, IL, the daughter of Robert L. and Eloise K. (Reed) Green.

She lived a happy life with much joy in her heart. Her faith in God was the foundation of her everyday life.

Being a compassionate lover of people, she constantly thought of others long before thinking of herself. She was an excellent encourager and comforter for whomever she felt needed love and support throughout every aspect of her life.

She was also an avid lover of animals. Her heart went out to all the animals she came into contact with which included her love of horses, the many dogs she cared for throughout her life, and all the birds, deer, and squirrels that would visit her backyard.

During her life, nothing was more important to her than being a dedicated, committed, and loving mother. She had explained that was her greatest joy and highest personal achievement.

Her interest in planting and growing flowers provided her with their surrounding beauty year after year. It would always keep her busy in the summertime. She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life which included her all-encompassing love of nature and all of God’s beautiful creations on this Earth.

She was a treasured friend to many. Her closest friends were extremely instrumental in providing support and making her feel loved during her 2 ½ years of fighting cancer. She cherished each and every one of them. She was elated to have had the opportunity to make so many happy memories during this time despite what she was going through.

Juanita is survived by her daughters, Stacey L. Small [James J. Scherer] of Olney; Shelley R. (Tanner J.) Prouse of Olney; sister, Judith G. Kocher; sister-in-law, Candy Green of St. Louis, MO, and several cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; as well as a dear loving friend to her and her family, Donald R. Cunningham.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Benny L. Green; and brother-in-law, Jan K. Kocher.

A visitation service will be held for friends and family from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home: 205 East Elm Street; Olney, IL 62450.

Funeral services will be held for Juanita at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 17, 2025 at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home. Interment will follow the service at Ebenezer United Methodist Church Cemetery in rural 4308 E. Ebenezer Ln., Olney, IL.

There will be a subsequent banquet held at Ebenezer church serving soups, sandwiches, and desserts for family and friends.

Memorials can be made to “Carle Richland Memorial Hospital (CRMH) Center of Philanthropy- Feeding to Heal” (must print in the memo); Mailed to CRMH at 800 East Locust Street, Olney, IL 62450 or to Ebenezer Church Cemetery.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL