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1924-2024
Dr. Juanita Roderick Latham, 99 of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, died peacefully after a short stay at Coastal Pointe Assisted Living in Shallotte, North Carolina on Feb. 25, 2024.
A native of Youngstown, Juanita was born on Dec. 29, 1924, the daughter of Anna Pakledinac and Michael Giba. Following graduation from South High School in January 1943, where she had been a member of the National Honor Society, she worked for the U.S. Price and Rationing Board #1, where she met Warren T. Roderick, a U.S. Navy man from Akron, who was on leave from a six year's duty on the carrier, U.S.S. Enterprise. They were married on Aug. 29, 1945. Mr. Roderick died on Oct. 29, 1955.
Juanita then enrolled as a freshman at Youngstown University. She graduated magna cum laude in three and one-half years, and taught at Taft Elementary School for six years. She obtained a master's degree at Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pa., and accepted a teaching position at Youngstown State University. She graduated from Akron University with a Ph.D. in Elementary Education. She then pursued post-doctoral studies at Harvard University on a scholarship from Alpha Delta, state chapter of the honor society, Delta Kappa Gamma; she was a member of the local chapter, Gamma Pi.
Juanita also was a member of the honor societies, Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Delta Kappa, and was president of the Youngstown State University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, an honor society comprised of scholars in all academic disciplines. She had been vice president of the YSU-Ohio Education Association, and president of the Ohio Association of Gifted Children. While teaching at YSU, she received the Distinguished Professor Award.
In 1976, Juanita married the Rev. James E. Latham, a long-time pastor of the former Foster Memorial Presbyterian Church, and CEO of Park Vista, Youngstown and Copeland Oaks-Crandall Medical Center, Sebring retirement communities. Mr. Latham died in 2004.
Following retirement, the Lathams' lived in Salem, where Juanita was President of the Traveler's Club and a two term Trustee of the Salem Historical Society. Later, Jim and Juanita built a villa at Copeland Oaks where Juanita was President of the Villa Association.
Juanita was an active member of the United Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. for over 70 years. She was an Elder.
An especially close bond was held between Juanita and her daughters, Dr. Marilyn Roderick (Allen Knicely) of Calabash, N.C., Kathleen Ullman (Attorney Bruce Fadem) of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. She also leaves three beloved granddaughters, Gillian Anna Knicely of Wilmington, N.C., Erika Linn Ullman of Chapel Hill, N.C., Lara Tracy Ullman (Chas Servotke) of Hollis, N.H.; and her precious great-grandchildren, Zachary Warren Servotke of Hollis, N.H., and Serenity Ullman of Chapel Hill, N.C.
Juanita is also survived by her sister, Jeanette Rapp, Los Gatos, California and her children, Suzanne, Richard and David.
A vivacious and creative teacher, Juanita loved children: she loved to learn: and she loved to teach.
Juanita will be laid to rest by her two loving and beloved husbands at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Memorial gifts may be sent to the Music Department of the First Presbyterian Church, 436 E. Second St., Salem, Ohio, 44460, where Juanita was a member.
A private interment service was held on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
Arrangements were handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home.
To view Juanita's obituary or send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com. Condolences can also be sent to Dr. Marilyn Roderick at marmomdoc@gmail.com.
3/9/24