Juanita Flower Funeral Service
Juanita Flower Memorial Video
Juanita Marlene Heflin Flower, 89, of North Ogden, Utah, left this life and went to be with her sweetheart Judson on November 11, 2023.
Juanita was born in Fortuna, California on October 24,1934 to Robert Wesley Heflin and Marion Francise Bullard. She was raised in Northern California among the Redwoods and moved with her family to the San Diego area of California as a youth. She met the love of her life, Judson Harold Flower, in Junior High. She attended Grossmont High in La Mesa-El Cajon where she was a Majorette. They both attended Brigham Young University and were married March 3, 1953, in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Shortly after being married, her husband Jud was drafted into the Army during the Korean War, and they spent two years at Fort Ord, CA. After returning to Utah, they adopted daughter Joan just hours before moving to their new home in Murray.
Following three years in the Salt Lake area, Jud was contracted to teach at a large U.S. Air Force Dependent’s High School in Spain, located on a USAF Strategic Bomber Base near Madrid. While in Madrid they adopted two more children, Diane and Thomas.
After four years in Madrid and traveling abroad, they returned to Provo, UT for a couple of years before settling in Miles City, Montana where they completed their family adopting their youngest child, Benjamin.
Juanita continued her education while substitute teaching and completed her BA in 1982 at Eastern Montana College. She taught several grades over the years including teaching art in elementary schools.
While in Spain Juanita began her passion for painting. Her talent increased throughout the years as she explored many mediums. Much of her artwork is proudly displayed in her family’s homes and the homes of friends. One of her pieces is displayed on an easel (lovingly crafted as a gift by her husband) at the Judson H. Flower, Jr. Library at Miles Community College in Miles City, Montana.
Juanita served in many Church callings, too many to list. She loved the children’s Primary organization and was President of both the Ward and District Relief Societies.
Jud and Juanita served together on several missions. They were the Senior Couple in Nashville, Tennessee from 1996-97. In 1999, Jud was called to be the Director of the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial in Sharon, Vermont, where they served together for two years hosting thousands of visitors to that historic site.
Soon after returning to Miles City Jud was called as a Counselor in the Presidency with Juanita as Assistant Matron in the Billings Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They moved to Billings, MT in 2002 where they lived for thirteen years.
As their health declined Jud and Juanita moved to N. Ogden, Utah in 2015 to be with their eldest daughter, Joan and husband Jess.
Juanita was always the proudest of her family. Her children: Joan (Jess) Rudd of N. Ogden, UT; Diane Fisher (deceased) of Spokane, WA; Thomas (Cheryl) Flower of Houston, TX; and Ben (Marlo) Flower of Snoqualmie, WA. She is also the proud grandma of 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren!!
She was preceded in death by her sisters Francise & Barbara, her brother Robert, grandson, Jay Gaskill (son of Doug & Joan Gaskill), her daughter, Diane Fisher and her beloved husband Jud in 2019. She is survived by her sister, Katherine Horst of Fair Oaks, California.
The funeral will be held Saturday, November 18th, 2023 at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ~ 825 Moorehead in Miles City, Montana. Burial will be at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. Viewings will be held at Stevenson’s Funeral Home Friday, November 17th from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday at the LDS church from 9-10:30 a.m.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, December 2nd at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 575 E. 3100 N. in North Ogden, Utah.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Active Hospice for their exceptional care.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday November 17, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Saturday November 18, 2023
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
825 S. Moorehead Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 18, 2023
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
825 S. Moorehead Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday November 17, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Saturday November 18, 2023
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
825 S. Moorehead Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 18, 2023
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
825 S. Moorehead Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Garth Sleight says
Juanita Heflin Flower is one of the loveliest people I was ever blessed to know and have as a friend. As I noted four years ago when Jud died, she was the perfect complement to Jud. In public, Jud came across as a dignified, circumspect, eloquent man. Juanita was artistic and loved to wear all sorts of colorful necklaces and bracelets. They were the perfect team and loved their children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and countless friends. In her later years, Juanita became bent over and her mind faded. Shortly, she will be placed in “the repair shop of Mother Earth, there to be recast, remolded into a perfect body, an immortal glorious temple, clean, whole, perfected, and ready for its occupant for eternity.” (Spencer W. Kimball). My condolences to the family. God bless Juanita Heflin Flower and the sweet memories of our association with her.
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Jan Munroe says
Juanita and I parented and taught during the same years. She was a wonderful workmate and such a kind, compassionate teacher. Such a lovely woman in all ways.
Carolyn Hays says
The world has lost a wonderful lady. I always loved seeing both Jud and Juanita at church and around town when I still lived in Miles City. May they both live in our hearts forever until we are reunited in heaven! Cooky Emerson Hasapis
Caroline Fleming says
One of the loveliest ladies it was ever my privilege to know. She taught both my sons at Lincoln School and was wonderful. We worked together as MCC faculty wives. She was such fun. My sympathy to all her children and grandchildren. The legacy of love she leaves with them will not be forgotten.
Brooke Frieboes says
She was my 5th grade teacher in the year she retired! She was amazing and I remember loving that class. Blessings on you and all the ones you touched along the way with your kindness.
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
Juanita had such a huge heart!! She impacted our kids so strongly about the importance of a good education. She and our daughter Megan really had a strong tie. Every one of our children went on to school and got degrees and 2 are in teaching. What more can I say? Thank you Mrs. Flower! You are all in our prayers.
Loretta Andrews says
Juanita was a truly beautiful lady in every sense. She was always friendly, gracious, and kind. Truly a life to be celebrated.
Joan (Reynolds) Liquin says
She was always gracious and had a broad friendly smile for everyone who crossed paths with her. There was always a bit of a twinkle in her eyes. While she seemed the epitome of grace to me as a teen, I also remember that sparkle of personality that always shone through. It was always apparent she had the soul of an artist in how she looked at life and she had such a unique eye for beautiful things and she surrounded her home with them. I remember her love of painting and the pride her husband had for her. They obviously adored each other! My condolences to all.
Flossie Phipps says
Dear Joan, I am so sorry to hear about the death of your wonderful sweet Mother. We love that lady very much & she was so kind & loving. I would love to come & see you but due to our disability to drive much we wont be able to come to see you. Our prayers are for you & the family. With love, Curtis & Flossie Phipps
Margaret Joyce says
Jaunita and Jud were two of the first people we met at the faculty and staff picnic in the Fall of 1967. They made us feel so welcome as we knew no one. From then on we were good friends. She was a lovely person.
Anne Davidson says
I have great memories ofJuanita. She and Jud were precious cousins to me. They were so kind to me and my family
Deb Brown says
It was a pleasure working alongside Jaunita while teaching elementary art in Miles City. She ranks high amongst one of the nicest, sweetest, dedicated teachers I had the honor to teach with. May the many cherished memories help all of her friends and family thru this difficult time.
Cheryl Rainey Yasuda says
There are not adequate water words to express my love for Juanita and the entire Flower family! Such fond memories of the parties and gatherings at their home on Main Street in Miles City. Juanita was such a lovely, kind, gracious and creative lady. I treasure her “Foggy Day” painting that graces a wall of my home. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later! ❤️
Lori mccoy says
Wonderful kind woman. As all the flowers. Sending prayers and love to family. Sincerely Lori pahnish McCoy
Rich McRae says
During the South Merriam years, Mrs. Flower shared carpool duty for the neighborhood elementary kids, along with Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Shevick, Mrs. Mckibbin, and my Mom. Still remember Diane and Tom sharing how they became U.S. citizens during 1st grade “Show and Tell”, and the family’s anticipation and excitement with the arrival of Ben. The white picket fence and yellow Buick station wagon in the driveway. My condolences to Joan, Tom, Ben, and the extended family.
Laura Arline Lenau says
Juanita Flower was a generous, kind, and delightful woman. One February day she invited me to church, and my life was forever changed. She shared her art, her joy, her beliefs with all. She was especially kind to my mother, Arline Lenau, when Mom was homebound. She also loved to laugh. She will be missed.
Jennifer Johnsgard says
Mrs. Flower was my 3rd grade teacher at Jefferson elementary. I remember her being so kind and always wearing bright scarves. May she rest in peace.
Karin Helmig says
I’m so sorry to hear of Mrs. Flower passing. Mrs. Flower was 1 of my favorite teachers. I even had her for 4th and 5th grade. In high school I was able to work in her classroom. She has made a lasting impact on my life! Mrs. Flower thank you for loving each one of your students! To the whole family thank you for sharing her with all of us. Praying for each one of you.
Janice and John Roberts says
To the family of Jud and Juanita Flower, we cherish the good times had w the Flower family when we were newlyweds, building our family: 1973-1977, Miles City. The Flowers graciously encouraged us through a very challenging 4.5 years. How very blessed are those of you who are the children, grandchildren of Jud and Juanita.
We send our sympathy, also, for Diane’s passing. (A special hug for my friend, Joan!)