Juanita was born to Raymond and Alice Bentley on July 6, 1932. She is the second oldest of five siblings. The family was always moving around and never stayed to long in one place. Juanita married Richard Sutton her Senior year and while he finished his term in the Air Force, while she finished up her last year in High school. Unfortunately, being married excluded her from many of the parties and trips and fun that comes with your Senior year.
This marriage didn’t last long due to being young and dumb. It wasn’t long until she met Charles McCuistion while rock climbing in Oklahoma. They were married on October 6, 1959. Charles was a carpenter when they met. It wasn’t long before they were in Bunch, Oklahoma where they pastored their first church.
After two years they decided to go into Pioneer Missions. Next, to Lovell, Wyoming in 1980 upon request of an area missionary. Charles had lots of carpenter work lined up. Charles then started a radio program and once the Mormons found out the carpenter was a Baptist preacher, all work was canceled. From 1973-1998 they moved all over the United States spreading the word of God and trusting that He would supply all their needs.
During this time Juanita gave birth to two sons Charlie and Tracy Mccuistion. In Port Angeles they made a good salary and was able to save enough money to retire. In 1999 they bought a six-acre farm with a trailer in Blairstown, Mo. They became members at Northeast Baptist Church. Juanita lost both of her sons due to smoking cigarettes and Charles passed August 13, 2022. Shortly thereafter, Juanita became a resident of Clinton Healthcare and Rehabilitation. She has two grandsons and a granddaughter. Her grandson Josh is always calling to check in on her and makes the long drive from Texas to see her.
Juanitia has deep and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She says that He has gotten her through the hardest parts of her life. She goes on to say that God has been so good to her throughout her life. Her advise to the younger generation is to “Hold tight to your family and put God first. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” Juanita is such an uplifting and jolly soul to be around. In February 2023 she won Valentine’s Day Queen. She will continue to hold that title. We are blessed to have you at Clinton Healthcare and Rehabilitation.
