Juanita Katherine Pederson, 80, passed away in Horton, Kansas on December 9, 2012 ending a battle with cancer. She was born on February 4, 1932 in Cole Camp, Missouri to Leo and Ella (Rambow) Bahrenburg.

She graduated from Cole Camp High School, earned her B.S. degree at Central Missouri State University and M.S. degree at Kansas State University. She taught in a one-room school in central Missouri for two years and then moved to Horton to teach in 1954. Juanita made a lasting impression on students as a teacher of home economics at Horton High and Everest Middle Schools for thirty four years, retiring in 1998.

Juanita married Homer Pederson on June 17, 1956 in Cole Camp. They met at Zion Lutheran Church where they have remained active members of the congregation. Homer and Juanita were married for 56 years and lived on a farm in rural Everest. They were best friends that loved being together. Homer survives at their home.

Juanita was a teacher and mentor to thousands of students throughout the years and she was highly regarded by her friends and colleagues. She has been active in Delta Kappa Gamma, Delphion, AAUW, Brown Country Retired Teachers, PEO, Zion Lutheran Church, and many other organizations.

Juanita's passions included her many friends and colleagues and the fellowship she enjoyed through her church and organizations. Her delight was her children and grandchildren and attended their events and activities. She truly enjoyed KSU football turning many fall days into "reunion Saturday". Juanita has given tirelessly to her community and her family throughout the years and will be dearly missed. Her sweet smile and kindness will continue to touch the hearts of those who knew her.

Their union leaves survivors Juanelle and Mike Garretson, Camden and Brooks of Salina, Kansas; Kirk and Deneen Pederson of Tonganoxie, Kansas; Rick and Susan Pederson, Jacob, Jessica, and Mary of Castle Rock, Colorado; Carlita Pederson and Rich Menear of Manhattan, Kansas; and Paul and Jennifer Pederson, Joshua, and Rachel of Bentonville, Arkansas; a brother, Harold (Laverne) Bahrenburg of Cole Camp, Missouri; seven step-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors on Thursday evening, December 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Everest, Kansas. The funeral service will be at Zion Lutheran Church, 1521 Prairie Road, Everest, Kansas on Friday, December 14 at 10:30 A.M. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Juanita Pederson Legacy Scholarship Fund or the Missy Newell Memorial Fund in care of the mortuary, 909 Central Ave., Horton, KS 66439. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com