Juanita (Blanton) McKinney

Juanita Blanton McKinney, born September 6, 1943, peacefully passed away on November 7, 2024, surrounded by her family. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Juanita brought warmth, love, and joy to those around her.

Child to Flem Blanton, Helen  (“Mother”) Trimble, and Sina (“Mom”) Blanton. Juanita was married on August 4, 1962, to the love of her life, James Wallace McKinney. Together, they shared a deep and abiding love that stood the test of time. Her son, James Wallace McKinney II, her brother, Warren Blanton, and her sister, Loretta Hunt, preceded her in death and now welcome her into peace.

Juanita is survived by her devoted husband, James, her cherished granddaughter, Andrea, and her adored great-granddaughter, Aila James. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews Katrina (Kurt) Marquardt, Emily Hunt, Matthew Jason Whitt, and Kevin (Sharma) Blanton; her great-nieces Peyton Blanton, Brooke Marquardt, and Sarah Marquardt; and cousins Darrel Blanton, Donna (Ronnie) Conley, and Dana (Bryan) Taylor.

Juanita’s life was marked by her generosity and warmth. She had a natural gift for making others feel welcomed and loved, often through her exquisite cooking. Known for her beautifully prepared meals, Juanita poured her love into her food, often hosting dinners where all were welcome at her table. She also poured her passion into her son’s fine dining restaurant, Club Grotto, which she ran with her husband after her son’s passing. Hosting guests in a place that reflected her warmth and care.

In her spare time, Juanita found joy in gardening, bird watching, and the serene beauty of classical music. Her keen eye for interior design brought beauty to the spaces she touched, and her love for family and friends was a constant presence in her life.

Juanita’s kindness, strength, and loving spirit will be dearly missed but forever remembered by those who knew and loved her. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and the countless lives she touched.

A celebration of Juanita's life will be held Monday, November 10, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the Roscoe Blanton Cemetery, Oil Springs, KY, with Bryan Taylor officiating, where friends and family can gather to honor and remember her remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to the Arthritis Foundation and American Cancer Society.

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