Juanita Louise Willis, 79, a devoted mother and creative spirit, passed away peacefully of natural causes, on January 22, 2026, in Ridgecrest, California, with her two children by her side. Juanita was born October 2, 1946 in Taft, California to Matthew H. Doyle and Ida Louise Doyle. She will now be reunited with her beloved husband of 52 years, William Willis, who preceded her in death in April 2021. She is leaving behind a legacy of color, beauty, and love.

A woman of both intellect and ambition, Juanita earned her Associate of Arts degree in Business, in 1966 from Taft College. She began her professional journey at Standard Oil, where she served as an IBM Verifier during the pioneering years of data processing. Her industrious nature continued throughout her life; she was a familiar face in her community as a dedicated Avon Sales representative and later retired after a successful tenure as a Department Manager at Walmart.

Beyond her professional life, Juanita was a gifted artist who found great joy in painting, often filling canvases with the same warmth she brought to her home. Juanita’s vibrant watercolor landscapes were admired by her family, friends, and caregivers. She was also a member of the Desert Artists’ League and mentored countless aspiring painters through her popular watercolor workshops. She was equally known for her competitive yet playful spirit at the card table, where she spent countless hours sharing games and laughter with friends.

Above all, Juanita’s greatest passion was her family. She cherished every moment spent with her two granddaughters, who were the light of her life. Whether she was teaching them to paint or sharing stories over a deck of cards, the bond they shared was her greatest treasure.

She is survived by her sister Carol, two children Eliott and Gwynn and her two granddaughters Heidi and Kayla, who will continue to carry her legacy forward.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Immanuel Christian Church in the main chapel, 201 W. Graaf Avenue, Ridgecrest, California, with Pastor Bill Logan officiating. A small reception and lunch will be provided immediately following the service at the nearby Hampton Inn & Suites, (Mojave Room) 104 E. Sydnor Ave, Ridgecrest, CA. Burial service will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 1:15 p.m., at the Bakersfield National Cemetery 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, California 93203.

Family and friends are invited to honor her life by donating to the Desert Artists’ League: P.O. Box 1938, Ridgecrest, California 93556 in memory of Juanita Willis.