Juanita Kay Graybill

Juanita Kay Cougill Jones Graybill, 88, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away on March 13, 2026, at her son’s home, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. Born on September 6, 1937, in Cherokee, Iowa, to William R. and Olive (Dicks) Cougill, she grew up in a close-knit small town where neighborly care and strong family bonds shaped her character. After graduating from Washington High School in 1955, she married Larry G. Jones Sr. and together they raised three sons. Though the marriage later ended, her steadfast devotion to her boys remained a constant in her life.

In 1978, Juanita married John D. Graybill in Sioux City. With John, she shared a love for life’s simple pleasures, including long motorcycle rides, camping trips filled with laughter and stories around the campfire, and memorable journeys to the Black Hills. She built a long and purposeful career that reflected her outgoing nature and desire to connect with others. She began at KCHE Radio in Cherokee, later worked at the Sioux City Journal, and found her calling as a Tupperware Manager for more than 30 years. In her later years, she spent over 17 years with the Sioux City Community School District’s food service, where her warm smile and genuine kindness touched students and staff alike.

Above all, family was the center of Juanita’s world. She cherished every moment with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, finding joy in visits, gatherings, and the everyday rhythms of life. She loved tending her flowers and garden, relaxing in her lawn chair to visit with neighbors, and making everyone around her feel welcome and seen. After nearly 60 years in her longtime home, she moved in 2019 to a cottage at Sunrise Senior Center, where she once again formed meaningful friendships and brought her characteristic warmth and humor to her new community.

Juanita is survived by her sons, William “Randy” Jones of Sioux City, Iowa, and Mark Jones (Shanna) of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota; her daughter-in-law, Becky Jones of Sioux City; her grandchildren, Michael Jones, Kayla Cakebread, Keaston Jones, Johanna Jones, Casie Jones, Kolby Jones, Jozlyn Jones, Beau Jones, Jack Jones, and Mia Jones; and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Jeff and Jodi Graybill of Sioux City, Dan Graybill of Rapid City, South Dakota, Bridget and Gary Harris of Baker, Florida, and Theresa Hineline of Bellevue, Washington, along with several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. She leaves behind her sister-in-law, Ardena Braff of Paso Robles, California; her sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Ron Christensen of Des Moines, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Graybill; her son, Larry “Skip” Jones; her grandsons, Chris Jones and Kinzer Jones; her parents; her sisters, Maxine Hantsbarger and Wilma Morton; her brothers, Farrel, Keith, Lyle, and Royce Cougill; and several other beloved family members.