Juanita Pearl Robbins

Juanita was born to Alex and Bertha Bensing in Beaver, Oklahoma on July 19, 1924. She began her journey home on Friday, April 7th , 2023. Juanita was one of 8 children - Ellen Hallam, Clifford Bensing, Ross Bensing, Louella Buckingham (Bridgeport), Lee Bensing, Ray Bensing (Chicago), Carl Bensing Juanita married Cecil (Pete) Robbins in Arkansas in June 1942. They then moved from Arkansas to the Okanogan Valley in 1943. Juanita was married to Pete for 58 years until Pete passed away in May 2000. Pete and Juanita were blessed with three sons - Cecil (Wayne) Robbins (Pia), Gary Leon Robbins (Ella), Thomas Alex Robbins. Juanita worked at the Larrabee Packing shed in Ellisforde (Tonasket) for 25 years, and the O & D Apple Shed for 5 years. She also worked at Omak Drive In Theater (where the Omache Mall is now) for 5 years. She also worked at Omak Coast to Coast Hardware with Dorothy and Earl Short for 7 years. In the early 1960’s, Pete and Juanita bought 10 acres up on the Omak Flats and started their farm with a small herd of cows. In the early years of 1960, Juanita belong to the “Quilting Gals” group who sewed and quilted several quilts at their regular meetings every month. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society for several years. One of her fondest memories was riding the Red Hat float and the meetings with the Red Hat Queen and members. Juanita was also proud to be a member of the local Sky Watch program in Omak. She would be in a small building ( near the Omak Sewage plant) where she would search the skies with binoculars and record sightings into a notebook. Some of the other favorite memories are numerous fishing and camping trips with the family, family reunions, feisty family pinochle games (3 or 4 card tables in living room!) and time spent with the grandchildren. Juanita especially enjoyed the road and train trips she took with her sisters Ellen and Louella to Oregon and Chicago to visit her brothers. Another fond memory is the motorhome trips to Las Vegas, Nevada and Provo, Utah to visit family. Juanita was a member of the Faith Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 years. Juanita especially enjoyed the church potlucks and visiting with church family and friends. One of her fondest memories was the honor she was given by the church when she was asked to ring the new church bell as the oldest member of the church. Juanita also loved to can peaches and make her zucchini relish. She also baked pumpkin cookies every Christmas and often shared them with family and friends. Juanita is survived by her sister Louella Buckingham (of Brewster) and brother Ray Bensing (wife Mila of Chicago). Her sons Gary (Ella) Robbins, Tommy Robbins, and Pia (Cecil Wayne deceased). Grandchildren Randy Robbins, Rick Robbins, Jennifer Robbins, Dan (Mallory) Robbins, Kathy (John) Hammer, Michael Decamp (Pia) and The 12 great grandchildren include Hailey and Alex Austin, Jairess and Ethan Hammer, Rylan and Kaden Robbins, Liam, Lucas and Jacob Robbins, Canaan and Jonah Robbins and Sophia Bonavita. The family has asked that in place of flowers, contributions or donations may be sent to the Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Okanogan. River Valley Funeral and Cremation (rivervalleyfuneral.com) is entrusted with arrangements. Memorial services will be held on Sunday, April 23rd at 11:00 at the Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Okanogan (425 4th Ave South, Okanogan WA). A potluck dinner will follow. Graveside services will be at the Omak Memorial Cemetery at (2517 Elmway, Okanogan WA) following the dinner.

Juanita Pearl Robbins

July 19, 1924 - April 7, 2023