Juanita Ryan

Juanita Ryan, age 74, of Hot Springs, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.

She was born on November 13, 1949, in Little Rock, the daughter of J.T. Jones and Lessie Ashley. She is preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Monica Angelique Pelkey; a son, Kevin Ray Watkins; and a brother, Michael Edward Jones.

She retired from Halbert Pipe and Steel of North Little Rock after 27 years as their human resource and office manager.  After retiring, she and her husband, Larry, opened Petals, Purses, Etc. in Hot Springs which they loved for 11 years.  She enjoyed spending time there and talking to customers from all over the world.

Throughout the years she enjoyed RVing and riding motorcycles traveling nationwide.  She loved to ride in the Smokey Mountains.  During her time at home, she baked Blueberry Cream Cheese pies, which was the best.  Her family was the most important part of her life.  One of her most precious loves was her “girls”, Kami and Coco, her beloved fur babies.

She is survived by the love of her life and husband of 41 years, Larry Ryan; two children, Kyle Lynn Watkins (Christy) of Center Ridge and Kimberly Gayle Caldwell (Jay) of East End; four grandchildren, Kylie Lynn Watkins and Aaliayh Sarah Juanita Watkins both of Center Ridge, Samantha Bullard (Collin) of East End and Angel Newkirk of Van Buren; four great-grandchildren, Emery Raelyn Prather, Kiyla Faye Prather, Kyllian Newkirk and Kynna Newkirk; three sisters, Betty Vandenburg of Sherwood, Donna Claybrook (Max) of Sherwood and Penny Kelley (Tim) of Pennsylvania; one brother, Eugene Chambers (Kathy) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

Celebration of Life services 11:00AM, Monday, December 18, 2023, in the Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel, Hot Springs.  Visitation will be 10:00AM-11:00AM, prior to the service.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.