Obituary of Juanita L. Rourke

No visitation Juanita L. Rourke 9/21/1932 -- 9/12/2007 Juanita L. Rourke, 74, passed away peacefully in her home Wednesday evening with family at her side after a long struggle with illness. Juanita L. Rourke was born September 21, 1932 in Toppenish, Washington to Howard Baker and Lena Baker King. Nita moved to Cosmopolis, Washington as a second grader and graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1951. Nita married Ralph "Boxie" Rourke on July 26, 1952. At the time, she was employed by the phone company as switchboard operator. After the birth of her daughter, Debra Lee, in 1953, she quit her job with the phone company to be a stay-at-home mom. She was active in her daughter's life by being a Brownie and Girl Scout leader for many years. She loved to sew, knit and crochet which she enjoyed throughout her life. After her husband passed away in 1971, Nita moved to Aberdeen where she lived for 35 years. She worked as the Chief Deputy Clerk for Grays Harbor District Court until her retirement in 1995. Throughout her life Nita cherished her daughter and her friends. She could be counted on as seat in a pinochle game or a helping hand for a friend in need. In 2006, Nita moved to Olympia to be closer to her daughter and family. Nita is survived by her mother, Lena Baker King, of Olympia; daughter, Debra Swift, of Olympia; grand-daughters, Jennifer Gilbert, of Olympia, and Stephanie Gilbert, of Seattle; and her great grandchildren, Christopher, and Charlotte De La Cruz, of Olympia. A celebration of life will be held at the Masonic Center, 455 North Street SE, Tumwater on Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Cosmopolis Cemetery. Memorial donations in Juanita's name may be made to the American Lung Association, 2625 Third Avenue Seattle, WA 98121-1213. Please leave your memories ofJuanita and condolences for the family by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.