Juanita K. Gatchell

Juanita K. Gatchell, 81, died Monday, December 1, 2025 at Westbrook Assisted Living in Upper Sandusky under the care of Tranquility Hospice.

She was born July 29, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Samuel J. and Winifred M. (Edgington) Springer. Raised in Bucyrus, Juanita graduated from Bucyrus High in 1962 and earned her associate’s degree from North Central State. She married Charles L. Williams who preceded her in death in 1976 and later married Bob Gatchell, also deceased.

Juanita will be remembered for her devotion and strong loyalty to every cause she supported. Her advocacy for the special needs community was fostered from her childhood in support of her sister and continued with her son as she supported the missions of Fairway School and Waycraft Industries. She also was a strong Bucyrus Redmen booster as her children and grandchildren were involved in athletics. As a faithful member of Bucyrus Nazarene Church, she worked in the nursery and sewed countless decorations and costumes. She was a gifted seamstress who worked in the family business, Edgington’s Economy Upholstery. After retiring, she worked for Orchard Park Assisted Living from the time it opened until she retired for the second time. In addition to her church and school volunteer work, she was a longtime member of the Bucyrus Altrusa Club. Never one to let grass grow under her feet, Juanita was always up for a trip. It didn’t matter if it was a short car ride, a cruise, taking her children camping, or trip to Florida, she was ready to go, meet new people, and see new things.

Juanita is survived by children, Loretta (Tom) Bauer, Chuck (Terra) Williams, Lyle Williams, and Tina (Steve) Schimpf; sister, Neva (Dave) Greenich; her grandchildren and great grandchildren; dear friend, Carl Horsley; and her best friend, Sis Love.

In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by son, Gregory Williams and sister, Wilma Springer.

All services for Juanita will be held on Saturday, December 6 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Family will receive friends from 11 am – 12:55 pm and the funeral will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastor Ray LaSalle officiating. Burial will follow in Nevada Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made payable to Crawford County Board of DD and given through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Juanita’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.