Juanita Sue Henninger

Juanita Sue Henninger received her crown of everlasting joy in the early morning of March 12, 2012 after a lengthy battle with a debilitating illness. Sue was born August 17, 1931 to Oscar and Ruby Rose of Abilene. After graduating from Abilene High School, Sue attended Hardin-Simmons University where she rode one of the world famous Six White Horses. During her time as a rider, Sue rode in Washington D.C. at the inauguration parade of Dwight D. Eisenhower. Also while at Hardin-Simmons, Sue met her love and partner of 62 years, Marvin Dean Henninger. Sue and Dean were united in marriage on May 19, 1951 at First Baptist Church in Abilene. Sue took great pride in working beside her husband and family in the construction business for many years. Sue's greatest role was that as a mother to her three daughters Roseann, Deanise and Cynthia. When not chauffeuring to tennis tournaments and entertaining a house full of teenagers, Sue was an active member in the community. She was a member of The Junior League of Abilene, Hendrick Medical Center Auxiliary, and various children's programs at First Baptist Church. Sue often looked forward to spending her free time with her beloved Forty-Eight Group. In the later years of her life, Sue poured herself into the lives of her two precious granddaughters - Megan and Amanda. Many special memories were made at the Circle R Ranch at Elmdale, Texas where she instilled in the hearts of her grandchildren the importance of faith, family and hard work. Sue had a great love for animals, and loved visits from her little white grand-dogs Annabelle, Lily Sue and Bailey. Sue will be sorely missed but her legacy of strength, love and kindness will live on in those who loved her. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the many caregivers who lovingly cared for Sue during the ten years of her illness. Survivors include Marvin Dean Henninger, husband of 62 years; sister-in-law Karen K. Rose of Abilene; daughter Roseann and husband Danny Brown of Abilene; daughter Deanise Henninger of Abilene; daughter Cynthia and husband Greg Nesmith of Abilene; granddaughter Megan and husband Clark Bolls of Abilene; granddaughter Amanda Brown and fiancé Boyd Guthrie of San Angelo; granddaughter Kara and husband Felix Castillo of Abilene; three great-grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents Oscar and Ruby Rose; brother and sister-in-law Earl and Charlotte Rose; and brother James A. Rose. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, in Elmwood Memorial Park with Rev. Palmer McCown officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd. The family will receive friends at 3375 Parkcrest Drive from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 13. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory, Abilene, Texas 79601.