Juanita Kay Graybill

Juanita Kay Cougill Jones Graybill, 88, of Sioux City, IA, passed away on March 13, 2026, at her son’s home, held close by the family she loved so deeply. Her life will be honored on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel, with Pastor Neil Peck, CLS officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:00 PM, with family present from 3:00 – 4:00 PM, and a Prayer Service beginning at 4:00 PM.

Juanita was born on September 6, 1937, in Cherokee, IA, to William R. and Olive (Dicks) Cougill. She grew up in a small town where neighbors looked out for one another and family ties ran strong. After graduating from Washington High School in 1955, she married Larry G. Jones Sr, and together they welcomed three sons. Though life changed and the marriage ended, her devotion to her boys remained steady and fierce.

In 1978, Juanita married John D. Graybill in Sioux City. With John, she found a partner who matched her love for life’s simple adventures – long motorcycle rides, camping trips filled with laughter and campfire stories, and journeys to the Black Hills that became treasured memories.

Work was a constant part of who Juanita was, not just a duty but a place where she built friendships and purpose. She began her career at KCHE Radio in Cherokee, later worked at the Sioux City Journal, and eventually discovered her passion as a Tupperware Manager – a role she embraced for more than 30 years. She loved meeting new people, encouraging others, and creating a sense of community wherever she went. In her later years, she spent more than 17 years with the Sioux City Community School District’s food service division, greeting students and staff with the warm smile and easy kindness she was known for.

Family remained the heart of her life. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought her immense joy, and she cherished every visit, every gathering, every ordinary moment spent with them. At home, she found peace in tending her flowers, caring for her garden, or settling into her lawn chair to chat with passing neighbors. She had a gift for making any space feel welcoming and any person feel seen.

In 2019, after nearly 60 years in her longtime home, Juanita moved into a cottage at Sunrise Senior Center. The transition was difficult, but she quickly formed friendships and grew to love the community she joined. It became another place where she spread warmth, humor, and companionship.

Juanita is survived by her sons, William “Randy” Jones of Sioux City, IA, and Mark Jones (Shanna) of Dakota Dunes, SD; her daughter-in-law, Becky Jones of Sioux City, IA; grandchildren, Michael Jones, Kayla Cakebread, Keaston Jones, Johanna Jones, Casie Jones, Kolby Jones, Jozlyn Jones, Beau Jones, Jack Jones, and Mia Jones; and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepchildren: Jeff and Jodi Graybill of Sioux City, IA, Dan Graybill of Rapid City, SD, Bridget and Gary Harris of Baker, FL, and Theresa Hineline of Bellevue, WA; along with several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. She is remembered as well by her sister-in-law, Ardena Braff of Paso Robles, CA; her sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Ron Christensen of Des Moines, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Graybill; her son, Larry “Skip” Jones; her grandsons, Chris Jones and Kinzer Jones; her sisters, Maxine Hantsbarger and Wilma Morton; her brothers, Farrel, Keith, Lyle, and Royce Cougill; brother-in-law, Charles Braff; brother-in-law, Leroy Morton; nephews, Steve Braff and Dwight Graybill; and several aunts and uncles.

Pallbearers will be Mark Jones, Beau Jones, Jack Jones, Michael Jones, Kaesyn Jones, and Randy Jones. Honorary Pallbearers are Kolby Jones, Keaston Jones, and Austin Prokap.