Juanita M. Leever, age 78 of Elwood, died Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at her residence after an extended illness. She was born January 16, 1935 in Elwood, that daughter of Orville and Nellie (Benefiel) Murray. Juanita was a homemaker and also worked for both the Jessop and Hayward Amusement companies for more than 10 years. She also worked for the Elwood Call-Leader for many years as a carrier. She attended Perkinsville schools and graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1953. She enjoyed needlepoint and was an avid Elvis memorabilia collector.

She is survived by 8 children, Pamela Blythe, Paula Blackford, Cathryn Blackford, Kevin Blackford, Kenneth Leever, Mark Leever, Christopher Leever, and Bradley Leever; 4 brothers, Eugene Murray of Frankton, Richard (Nancy) Murray of Frankton, Dale Murray of Frankton, and Phillip (Shere) Murray of Florida; 2 sisters, Patricia Hall of Frankton and Virginia Tewell of Indianapolis; Special caregivers and adopted family, Mike and Amy Sneed and their children, Tina Crum and Ashley Sneed, adopted grandchildren, Bryson Sneed and Isaiah Sneed; special friends, Ralph Hahn, Tom Capps, and Loretta Wyatt; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 husbands, Jack Blackford and Herbert Leever; brother, Emery Murray and very special friend, Vickie Capps.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Monday, October 21, 2013 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Mark Smith of the Apostolic Lighthouse Church officiating. Visitation will be held from Noon to 1:00 PM at the funeral home prior to the funeral. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Riley Children's Hospital through the funeral Home. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.