Juanita V. ELDER

Juanita Vining ELDER, 64, of Whitesville, NY, passed peacefully on December 27, 2024, with her devoted husband, Mark, by her side. 

Born June 22, 1960, in New Orleans, LA, she was the daughter of Raymond and Eula Mitchell Vining and the youngest of their five children. She spent most of her early years making cherished, life-long memories with her cousins, siblings, and some very dear friends that she considered family. On May 15, 1982, in Bayou L’Orurse, LA, she married Mark E. Elder, who survives. They moved to Whitesville, NY, where they raised their two daughters. She was well known for her contagious laughter, immeasurable love, and incredible singing voice. For many years, she shared in leading the worship service at Ellisburg Church, where she also led the youth group. When not singing in church, she delivered singing telegrams as the Cowabunga Cavewoman to friends, complete with original poems she had written. Juanita loved her children with her whole heart and was a second mom to any child that entered her home. Her most cherished role by far was that of Grammy to her adoring granddaughters, with whom she loved to exploring nature. She touched countless lives with her kindness, creativity, and love, and will be dearly missed. 

Surviving besides her husband, Mark, are: daughters, Julia Elder (Kevin Stephens) and Leah Kalpin (Justin Penna); granddaughters, Natalie Kalpin and Lyla Kalpin; three siblings, Deloris Gilchrist, Evy Vining (Amy), and Herbert Vining (Vickie); many nieces, nephews, and cousins; her mother-in-law, Dortha Caylor; and brother-in-law, Scott Elder. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Raymond Vining Jr.; son-in-law, Nicholas Kalpin; and dear cousin, Dodie Duke. 

Friends may call at Ellisburg Union Wesleyan Church, 2005 Ellisburg Road, Genesee, PA on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 AM. Rev. Roy Ward and Rev. Barbara Mosher will co-officiate.  Juanita will be laid to rest with her parents in Morgan City, LA.  

Memorials may be made to Ellisburg Union Wesleyan Church, 1020 Rag Hill Road, Genesee, PA 16923 or a charity of the donor’s choice. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.