Margaret Juanita Sweet-Renner

Margaret Juanita Sweet-Renner Our loving mother, "Sweetie" as she was called in high school, died quietly on September 2, 2014 at Alder Bay Assisted Living Facility in Eureka. She was 86 years old. Mom was born on May 22, 1928 in Ukiah, CA to George and Mary Sweet. She was their first child and only daughter. The family remained in Mendocino County until Juanita was six, at which time they moved to Shively, CA. She graduated from Bluff Prairie School in 1942, and from Fortuna Union High School, with the Class of '46. The group has remained close since then, scheduling reunions at regular intervals. Juanita worked for Dr. Wofford in Eureka and attended Humboldt State College for one year. She and Larry Renner were married on October 17, 1948. They settled in a small house 15th Street in Fortuna. Their first child Diana was born in 1950, followed in 1952 by son Michael, daughter Cecelia in 1954, and son Christopher in 1958. During those years Larry was employed by George G. Peacock as a driver and Juanita was a stay-at-home mom. In 1961, Larry bought the Union Oil bulk plant in Garberville, and the family moved south. Mom worked in the office as receptionist and bookkeeper, thereby helping build the business. She was active in her local church, Community Presbyterian Church of Garberville, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. In 1966, she was named "Mother of the Year," by the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority. Mom remained in Garberville after the divorce, and worked at the local hospital in the accounting department. Later, after moving to Eureka, she was employed by St. Joseph's Hospital remaining there until her retirement. She also served as a Pink Lady at the hospital, was active in the local Moose Club, served as treasurer for the Singles Club, and sang in several local choirs, including her church choir, the College of the Redwoods Chorale, the Humboldt Chorale, and numerous productions with the Humboldt Light Opera Company. She made several trips to Europe with the CRC, and shared amazing memories with her family of the cathedrals they sang in while touring. Mom also played bells with the Presby Ringers for years. She was an avid Republican and supported the California Reserve Peace Officers Association as well as the Republican National Committee. Juanita's children will remember her for the morals and values she taught us, for her regular attendance at our school and scout activities, her support of our teams, and for the beautiful afghans she crocheted for us and our children. She also fashioned some amazing Halloween costumes for the grandchildren and traveled all over to support them at their games and programs. One of the best occasions we shared with our mother, besides our weddings and the births of our children, was the trip we took to New Orleans for the Jazz Festival where we celebrated Mom's 75th birthday. She was in her element and so were we, as we watched her in the parade with her umbrella, enjoying Creole food and clapping along to the music. Juanita is survived by her daughter, Diana Renner Noyes (Sid), granddaughters Ashley Williams (Gerald,) and their children Aariyona, Josiah, Mason, and JAX; Amanda Margaret Gates; and Aubrey Gates; son Michael (MariLou), grandsons Cameron, his children Scarlet and Lawrence; Truman (Robin) and son Hudson; Garren and his son Jaxson; Cecelia Roubidoux (Larry) and their son Aidan, and granddaughters Shauna Shipps (James) and their children Nathan, Madeleine, and Charlotte; Lynn and her children Chloe, Chance, Christian, and Cay den; and Jami Roubidoux; and son Chris (Sabina,) and grandchildren Lindsey Oblisky (Jon) and their children Isabella, Ilyjah, Jaunnie and Juniper; Ross (Amber) and their children Charlee and Corbin; Naomi Margaret Renner; and Sterling (Tamara) and their children Ryker and Cannon. She was close to her brothers and sisters-in-law and loved her many nieces and nephews as well. We would like to thank Dr. Stephanie Dittmer, the staff at Alder Bay ALF, and Hospice of Humboldt for the loving, personal care given to our mother the last months of her life. May she rest peacefully in heaven with those who have gone before her including her father, her mother, her brother Grant Sweet, her grandson Aaron Gates, and many close friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers, Juanita hoped that donations could be made to Alder Bay ALF, 1355 Myrtle Ave, Eureka, CA, 95501 for a dog run, in honor of her dog, Dodi, who was like another daughter to her. This will allow residents who have pets to let their animals off-leash for exercise in a safe environment. Arrangements are under the care of Goble's Fortuna Mortuary, 560 12th Street, Fortuna, California. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday September 8th at 2 pm at Eureka First Presbyterian Church on 14th and I Street. Donations may be made in Margaret's name to Eureka First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are under the care of Goble's Fortuna Mortuary.

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