Juanita Lee Burkett, 89, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, August 26,
2025. Born on January 5, 1936, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Merle and Goldie Bowers, Juanita lived
a life marked by devotion to family and community. Alongside her husband, Lt. Col. Richard
C. Burkett, she moved with the military to Columbus in 1965, where they raised their four daughters. Juanita enjoyed bowling, square dancing, and golf, and was a dedicated wife and mother. In her younger years, she treasured spending time with her family—gathering, sharing meals, and making memories together.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Goldie Bowers; her sisters, Laura Mae Lambert and Eleanor Brooks; her brother, Richard Bowers; her husband, Richard Burkett; son-in-law, Johnny Nutt; and great-grandson, Benjamin Stanton.

She is survived by her daughters, Deborah (Mike) Henderson-Asher, Cindy Nutt, Lori (Doug) Lee and Suzy Stanton. Juanita also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Melanie (Nate) Caulder, Colby Nutt, Zach (Jardin) Stanton, Matt (Harley) Stanton, Katy (Jason) Blackston; and seven great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel; burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service at the funeral home.