Juanita Elizabeth “Sissy” Barber Rickard Husch Zorn earned her angel wings, Aug. 29, 2022, when she passed away peacefully at the age of 92 years surrounded by members of her loving family.
She was born March 19, 1930, to Bertha and Grady Barber in Washington. She was the eldest daughter of 12 children whom she helped care for. Because it was difficult for the younger siblings to call her by her given name, they began calling her Sissy and the name stuck for most of her life.
When Juanita was 18, she married Oliver Rickard and to their union, two children were born, Frank and Diana. After a few years, the two parted ways and she began the next chapter of her life.
While working at the Lighthouse for the Blind, she met Paul Husch and the two of them were married on Dec. 31, 1956. Paul had four children and together, they had three more daughters, Paula, Brenda and Darla. She had eighteen wonderful years with Paul as a stay-at-home mother. Upon his passing, Juanita went to work as a housekeeper for prominent families in Rolla. She was united in marriage to long-time friend of the family, Charles Zorn, October 23, 1979. Together they enjoyed baking for the Farmer’s Market, spending time with the grandchildren, finding bargains at thrift stores and going to the casinos.
Juanita was known for her thirst for life and the unconditional love she had for her family. She never met a stranger and loved to strike up conversations with anyone while waiting in line at the store.
She grew up poor in St. Louis during the Great Depression. She shared many stories with her family and although it was a tough life, she always managed to find the good in everything and had everyone laughing with the adventures of her and her siblings.
Because she was petite, she never looked her age so her mother would send her through the bread line. Since she was so small, they always took pity on her and gave her extra portions which was used to feed her entire family. Money was tight during those days and she would sell pencils, sewing needles and pick up glass for extra money. She loved her gum and never met a piece of gum she didn’t chew.
On one occasion, Juanita was sent to the store with just enough money to buy a quart of milk for the family’s dinner. On her way back, she dropped the glass bottle and the milk was ruined. She didn’t know what to do, so she sat on the curb and cried until a Good Samaritan found her there and asked why she was crying. After explaining what happened, he walked into the store and bought her a replacement bottle. The Lord was always watching out for her.
Juanita accepted Christ in 1984 and reaffirmed her faith again at the Bland Christian Church, because she loved the Lord.
Juanita loved her Yorkies, Jake, ChiChi and Dolly. She enjoyed singing, reading, cooking and baking. When she was learning to bake, she said nothing went to waste no matter how bad it turned out, because the younger siblings were always willing to eat her mistakes.
She is survived by children, Frank (Pat) Rickard of Owensville, Diana (Gary) Biere of Bland, Paula (Bob) Pitts, Brenda (Monty) Pitts all of Cook Station, and Darla (Travis) Yokum of Leesburg, Va.; grandchildren Joshua (Shelley) Biere of Owensville, Tabatha (Justin) Cook of Salem, Scott Pitts of Rolla, Steven (Michelle) Pitts of Oviedo, Fla., Aaron (Danielle) Pitts of Cuba, Adam Parrett of Bourbon, Bryan (Stacy) Parrett of Godfrey, Ill., Jenna (David) Carter and Travis (Jacki) Pitts all of Cook Station, Ryan (Corey) Spain of Berryville, Ark., Paul Mrstik of Washington, DC, Aubrey Yokum of Ashburn, Va., and Logan Yokum of Leesburg, Va.; 40 great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; sisters Barbara Stricklin of Steelville, and Frances Graddy of Owensville; daughter-in-law Diana Husch of Owensville; and nieces, nephews, other relatives; and many friends.
Arrangements entrusted to Britton-Bennett Funeral Home, Steelville.
