Juanita Lynn Aschwanden, 64, of Turlock passed away with family by her side on Saturday, December 1, 2012. Born on August 21, 1948, she lived most of her life out in the country in Turlock. After graduating from Turlock High School in 1966, she worked as a hair dresser and married Richard Aschwanden of Turlock. Having three children, Tamara Avina, Renee Raposo, and Daren Aschwanden, the couple enjoyed a loving and strong marriage of 45 years. Most of Juanita's career was spent as an Instructional Aid for Special Education at Turlock High School.

Throughout her life she was a caring and devout person, whose fiery nature and sometimes stubborn ways made life joyful and interesting for all she knew and loved. In her sudden and unexpected departure she is survived by her husband Richard, their three children, four grandchildren - Zachary Avina, Cole and Kayla Aschwanden, and Adam Raposo; her brother, Ron Rocha of Turlock; and her sister, Diane Wallace of Ohio. She was preceeded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Genevieve (Alves) Rocha; and three grandbabies. She will be dearly missed and timelessly treasured as a beloved woman who her family and friends all invariably relied upon and trusted.

Memorial services are planned for Saturday, December 8, 2012, at 2 pm at Whitehurst, Norton, and Dias Funeral Chapel in Turlock. The family also invites friends and family to gather after at the home of Gary and Darlene Aschwanden. In lieu of flowers, the family asks loved ones to consider donations in Juanita's honor to liver research and transplant funds of the UCSF Foundation. Visit www.makeagift.ucsf.edu or send donations to UCSF, PO Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339, UCSF Foundation, in memory of Juanita Aschwanden.