JUANITA T. GIRON-VARGUS (FREDERICK)

Juanita Giron-Vargas/Frederick, 72

(Sunrise - January 1st, 1948 to Sunset - September 22, 2020)

Rustling of the Leaves, Wahpe Snasna Win

Juanita started her journey back to the spirit world on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020.

She was surrounded by prayer and love while she made her transition.

Juanita was born on January 1st, 1948 at the old hospital in Fort Totten to Mary Lohnes/King and Jerome King. She was brought into this world on a beautiful winter evening on the start of a new year.

Juanita began her education at the boarding school on the Spirit Lake Reservation and would later graduate from the Stephan Mission School in South Dakota. Juanita started her adult life in Oakland, California and soon after met her husband, Dennis Frederick.

Juanita and Dennis had their first child in California and would return to North Dakota and lay a foundation to raise their family of 5.

Juanita had many hobbies and skills, she was a jack of all trades and yet master of none. She spent a lot of her younger years hunting, fishing, canning, cooking, reupholstering, and was also well known as being an exceptional seamstress.

One of her most memorable projects as a seamstress was making a coat for our former late President Ronald Reagan’s wife, Nancy Reagan in the year of 1987.

Above all, Juanita was a pillar in the Spirit Lake community for her generosity and friendship. She was a familiar face to all young and old, either for a moment or as a lifelong companion. It is for these qualities that she will be greatly missed.

Juanita loved her role as a Great Grandma and was able to enjoy her great grandson “Acie Pants”, a nickname given to him by her, for all of his 8 years. She was a huge part of his life as he was in hers, the family is grateful they were able to create such a beautiful and memorable bond.

Juanita is survived by her eldest brother Francis Sidney King; Son, Adrian Frederick; Daughters, Denise Frederick and Denita Frederick; 12 Grandchildren; 9 Great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Frederick; Mother, Mary Lohnes-King; Father, Jerome King; Brothers, Vincent King, Frederick King, Duane King, and Wayne King; Sisters, Barbara Jean King, and Annette Smith.

Honorary Pallbearers: Millicent Mckay- lifelong friend, Carolyn Walking Eagle, Billy Joshua, Florence Joshua, Luwonna Cavanaugh, Jeanne Cavanaugh, Dolly Lohnes,  Nancy Green, Sara & Paul Young- and church friends; Tony Hunt, Dinah Acevedo, Pamela Rainbow, Mary Wells-  and all other loving neighbors at the Norma Rainbow Center; late Sylvia Brownshield, late Phyllis Mckay, Dauphinais Family, Charboneau Family, Yankton Family, Cavanaugh Family; Friends out in Oakland, CA; All other special family and friends Juanita shared her life with.

To any of Juanita’s loved ones and friends that we have missed, please forgive us.

A special thanks to all who have helped with phone calls, a shoulder, donations, prayer service, food, songs, prayers and all other support. The family greatly appreciates the help during this difficult time.

Visitation will be held for Juanita at her daughter Denise Frederick home on Monday, September 28, 2020 beginning at 5:00 p.m.  The procession to Fort Totten will leave at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, from City Plaza.  

Funeral Services will be held at the Dakota Baptist Church, Fort Totten on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Paul Young officiating.  Juanita will be laid to rest beside her parents in St. Michael's Cemetery in St. Michael, ND.  

Please keep your health and safety and that of others in mind when attending any of the services.  The family thanks you for your many kindnesses and prayerful support. May the Creator bless you.