Juanita Pyle

Juanita June Pyle of North Little Rock passed away on May 23, 2023 at the age of 91. She was born Juanita June Steffens on December 2, 1931 in Chester, Illinois.

She met Harrell Pyle during one of his trips to Chester from Belleville, Illinois where he was stationed in the United States Air Force.  He liked the people in Chester and enjoyed visiting there when he had time.  According to Harrell, he had found the jewel of Chester.  Harrell and Juanita married on July 10, 1950 and they remained married until his death on October 28, 2017.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, William and Emma Steffens: three sisters, Emma Buckham, Dorothy Kostant; and Virginia Hardt; three brothers Harold Steffens, William Steffens, and Paul Steffens.

She is survived by three sons: Steven and wife Linda of Cleveland, Ohio; Mark and wife Judy of Lakewood Village, Texas; and Brian and wife Teresita of Sherwood, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Thomas Pyle, Elizabeth Pyle, Sara Neal, Tracy Miller, and Jennifer Pyle, three great grandchildren, Xander Lynch, Carson Neal, and Lucas Miller; and a host of nieces & nephews. She also leaves a friend, Donna Magee, who frequently called Juanita during the later years – they shared laughs and the happenings in their lives.

Her husband fell in love with her at their first meeting – he told her so to her disbelief.  Later in life he reminded her of that original love with “I told you that I loved you”.  During the later years of Harrell’s life in assisted living, he would light up and smile whenever Juanita visited him.

Juanita was “down to earth” and practical.  She faced life with calmness and accepted life’s bumps with little complaint. She had a sweet, kind, and gentle disposition which endeared her to her family and later to her caretakers.  She maintained that sweet disposition until her last moments.

Thank you Parkstone Place Retirement Center – North Little Rock for the environment that made an apartment into a home.  Mom enjoyed her time there with the activities and opportunities for new friends.

Thank you Fox Ridge Senior Living – North Little Rock.  For one and half years it was another apartment home with activities and friends.  The staff immediately tackled every challenge with a smile and without hesitation. Their support and compassion was overwhelming and heartwarming.

Thank you Sherwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for your compassion and steady support during her final days.

There won’t be a service.  However, you can honor and remember Juanita with a donation to a worthy cause.  A donation of time and effort can be as valuable as a donation of money.

Remember that others may experience difficulties – they may need help or someone to listen. So, lend a hand, lend an ear – have compassion and help someone find peace and comfort.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.