Obituary of Juanita Ricotta Beaver

Juanita Elaine Brown Ricotta Beaver, age 77, ascended into the heavenly gardens on December 10^th, 2023.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Garland L. Brown and Melva I. Brown; her first husband, Richard Ricotta; loving, lifelong devoted husband of 31 years, Verlin J Beaver; siblings, James Harold Brown, Garland Leland Brown, Billy Ray Brown, William Robert Brown, and Brenda Sue Brown.

She is survived by her daughter, Stacey M Amos (Thomas); grandson, Nathan M Amos; siblings, Carolyn Horn (Raymond), Nancy Burnette (Aubrey), and Patricia Thomas (Eddie); special neice, Debbie Johnson (John Thrush);  many nieces; nephews; cousins; extended family; and pets, Winston, Gravy Biscuit, Peanut Butter Cup, and Ozzie.

Juanita was born in Roanoke, VA.  She was one of 9 siblings, the 3^rd oldest and the oldest daughter.  She lived a full and amazing life.  She was a graduate of Jefferson High School.

She worked at Fink’s Jeweler’s in Downtown Roanoke for 15 years.  After retiring from Fink’s, she continued her education to earn her Associates Degree at VA Western Community College in Criminal Justice.  She used her degree to become a Private Investigator for several years.  When this no longer interested her, she became a host for gambling junkets to Tunica Mississippi and Atlantic City, thus began her love affair with slot machines.  When she was no longer able to travel, she became a care giver for people with Alzheimer’s and other illnesses and was an advocate for patients care in nursing homes.  Throughout this whole time, she cared for Veterans in her home for over 35 years.

She spent her free time caring for her family, her pets, quilting, crafting, sewing, reading, researching genealogy of her family, and many other hobbies that she had over the years. 

Her biggest joy in life was her Mickey Mouse collection.  She was featured on the front page of the Extra section of the Roanoke Times on 1/13/2013, which happened to be her husband’s birthday.  She lived and breathed Mickey Mouse.  Everyone that knew her, knew of her love of Mickey. 

In the last couple years, she spent much of her time playing the slots at Rosie’s in Vinton.  She made many friends there, and this was her happy place.

There will be a Memorial Service at a later date.