Juanita Marie (Ruiz) Muffler, a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025 in Ottawa, Illinois surrounded by her loving family after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Juanita’s warm presence and caring nature left an undeniable mark on all who knew her. Juanita dedicated her life to helping others in need. Her ability to provide comfort and love to all made her an exceptional caregiver, a role she embraced wholeheartedly. Juanita’s love for her family was unparalleled and she often expressed this through the time she spent with them, the care she provided, and the joy she found in their presence. Juanita’s daughters Toni, Tara Tonya, and niece/daughter Sherri were her ultimate pride and joy. Her family devotion was most notable in the abundant love she showered onto her grandchildren as she dedicated herself to being the best grandmother possible. She worked tirelessly, at times several jobs at once, to provide all she could for those she loved.
Juanita’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. Her laughter, funny sense of humor, her love of life, and her ability to make everyone feel cherished will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
Juanita is survived by her loving daughters, Toni (Jeff) Palan, Tara (Mark) Lipke, Tonya Mitre, niece/daughter, Sherri (Mike) Peltier, and grandchildren, Joshua, Jordan and Jared Palan, Sam and Senya Mitre all of whom were her pride and joy, her guiding light, and her most treasured accomplishments. Juanita’s memory will be forever honored in the lives of her loving sister, Beatrice (Ruiz) Burke and youngest brother, Michael Ruiz. As well as, all of her nieces, nephews, sister-in-law, and many friends who will miss her deeply and cherish every moment they spent in her nurturing embrace.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Mary & John Ruiz, her brothers, Bobby, Pat, & Larry Ruiz, and sister Barbara (Ruiz) Passini.
As we say goodbye to Juanita Marie Muffler, we celebrate the life of a woman who was a beacon of kindness and love. Her legacy is one of unwavering devotion to her family, a testament to the beautiful life she lived, and the countless lives she touched. Juanita’s memory will be treasured forever, as we hold her close in our hearts and remember the light she brought into this world.
A Celebration of Life will be held on a future date in the Spring, as yet to be determined Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433