Deffenbaugh, Juanita Helen 8/27/1924 - 11/3/2017 West Palm Beach, FL Somewhere in the universe there is a new, bright shining star. Juanita Helen Laugherty Deffenbaugh, 93 died in the afternoon of November 3 in West Palm Beach, Florida after suffering a massive stroke a week earlier. Juanita was born in Tiffin, Ohio on August 27, 1924. She was the first child of Audley and Myrtle Laugherty. When Juanita's mother passed away when she was seven years old she and her brother William eventually went to live with Juanita's paternal grandmother Sarah Laugherty Finn. Sarah ran a boarding house in Tiffin where Juanita would later meet a handsome young boarder named Harry Ellsworth Deffenbaugh. Harry and Juanita fell in love and were married on June 8, 1941. They moved to Michigan and started their family; eventually they would have seven children. On November 15, 1990 Harry died of cancer. Juanita later relocated to Florida. Juanita was a wonderful daughter, sister and wife. She was the best mother a child could ever ask for. She went on to be a loving grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. Juanita was preceded in death by her grandson Victor Bezugly, her husband Harry, son-in-law David Novak, and daughter Scarlet Bezugly. Juanita is survived by son-in-law Anatole Bezugly of Florida; son Harry and wife Jackie of California; daughter Cathy Novak and Larry Sheets of Florida; daughter Amy and husband Mike Vetter of Florida, son Matthew of Ohio, son Tom and girlfriend Alicia of Connecticut, and son Tim and girlfriend Denise of Florida. Juanita is survived by six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Juanita's son Tim was her guardian angel for over ten years. He was the best care giver she could have ever asked for and his dedication and commitment to our mother is something none of us will ever forget. Juanita wished to be cremated and her ashes buried next to her husband Harry at the National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. On Saturday, November 4, Juanita's granddaughter Tanya hosted a family dinner at her home to celebrate Juanita's life. Mom, we love you so much, we will miss you until the time we can be at your side once again.
Published in Ann Arbor News on Nov. 19, 2017