Juanita Rose Keister, 83, of Urbana, died Thursday, December 29, 2016, at Carle Hospital.

She is remembered lovingly by her family and friends for her generosity of spirit, love of people, twinkle in her eyes, and her wisdom and strength. Her legacy is carried in the hearts and minds of those she touched with her life.

Juanita was born on April 12, 1933, in Jacksonville, Illinois, to Leona and Claude Miner. She worked many years in the food industry and retail; her most recent positions were at the Campus Store on Green Street in Champaign and Huey's in Urbana. She retired in 1978.

She is survived by her children David (Janet) Keister of Jacksonville, Florida; Terry Keister of Savoy; Donna (Keith) Morris of Spring, Texas; and Cheryl Nimz of Champaign; six grandchildren (Becky Leahy, Richard Keister, Alison Allender, Sara Sullivan, Joseph Keister, and Faith Keister). Also surviving are her sister Shirley Valenti of Effingham and brother Milton (Jeanette) Miner of Chatham, as well as thirteen great grandchildren, one great great grandson, many much loved nieces and nephews, and a goddaughter Alison Beth Elliott. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Earl Keister; her brother Donald Miner; brother-in-law Raymond Keister; sisters-in-law Anna Mae Miner, Valada Keister, and Antoinette Keister; and son-in-law John Nimz.

Visitation will be Tuesday January 3, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1901 S. Philo Road, Urbana. A worship service in celebration of her life will begin Wednesday, January 4, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 701 E. Florida Avenue, Urbana.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Trinity Lutheran Church, or an organization of the donor's choice.