Juanita M. Gerring

A native of Joplin, Missouri, she was born Aug. 29, 1922 the daughter of the late Harvey (Bert) H. Storm and Lena Thurman Storm. Educated in Joplin Public Schools and Peoria Institute of Business, Peoria, Illinois.

Following her marriage to Ralph B. Gerring in 1949, the couple lived in Fredonia, N.Y. where Mr. Gerring worked for Prudential Insurance. Upon the family’s move to their permanent residence in Dewittville she was employed for 20 years by the Chautauqua County Board of Elections in Mayville. She served as Clerk, Senior Clerk, and retired as an Election Technician in 1985 from Civil Service having worked for Election Commissioners Albert H. Harrison, Daniel R. Larson and Joseph Porpiglia. She was a life member of the Election Commissioner’s Association of The State of New York.

For many years a member of the Dewittville-Hartfield United Methodist Church where she held various offices in the Women’s organization, Sunday School Superintendent, Adult Bible Class teacher, worked in summer Bible School programs of the church, and was a member of the chancel choir. A certified Lay Speaker of the United Methodist Church she conducted worship services in several area churches. She was active in Cornerstone District of the United Methodist Women’s organization and held the offices of Financial Interpretation, Vice-President, and for four years served as President of the District’s 45 Units of UMW. She served as a member of the Western New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. At the time of her death she was a member of the Bemus Point UM Church and served as a local officer in the UMW Unit. She was also a member of the Missions Commission of Bemus Point United Methodist Church for many years, serving as its Secretary.

She was a long-time member of the Mayville Tuesday Club, Mayville Senior Citizens, CSEA/AFSCME Organizations, and was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society. She was an avid gardener and rose fancier and delighted in sharing their beauty with friends, neighbors and special events. One of her favorite quotes from Peter Marshall was “The measure of life is not its duration, but its donation.” A few of her favorite interests were her Bible studies, gardening and nurturing anything that grows, reading poetry, wise sayings, cooking, baking, attending her grandson, Ben’s basketball games, and sharing time with family.

Juanita is survived by her son; Michael R. (Mary Jane) Gerring of Dewittville, a grandson; Benjamin (Jill) Gerring, of Dewittville, four great-grandchildren; Orry, Gracie Laine, Ruby, and Bo Gerring, of Dewittville, a step son; Joseph Warriner of Mechanicsville, Va., two step-grandchildren; Mark Warriner of Richmond, Va., and Julie Anne Herrick of Palmyra, Va., two step great grandchildren; John and Elizabeth Herrick of Palmyra, Va.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ralph B. Gerring, beloved step-daughter Joan E. Gerring Warriner. Also five brothers, and one sister, all who resided in the midwest.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m., at the Freay Funeral Home in Mayville. The Rev. Benjamin Gerring will officiate. Burial will be in Bemus Point Cemetery. Friends will be received for one hour prior to the service, 1-2 p.m., in the funeral home.

Memorials can be made to Maple Springs Volunteer Fire Department.

To leave a remembrance or post a condolence to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com