Juanita Ethel Robey

Juanita Ethel Robey, 90, met her Lord on June 6, 2016, at Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg, VA. She was born to Basil and Biddie (Hensley) Zickafoose on Jan. 24, 1926, in Nallen, W.Va., in Fayette County, a small lumber mill town. Her father and mother’s families settled in what was then Western Virginia, now West Virginia, in the 1700’s. Juanita’s family remained in W.Va. until she was four, when they moved to Washington, D.C., in the early days of the Depression. She grew up in D.C., and graduated from Eastern High School in 1944. Her high school days were among her fondest memories, as captain of the cheerleaders and girls’ basketball team. She shared study hall with her boyfriend, Bill Robey, who said she never studied -- too busy socializing!

Juanita and her family knew hard times in the Depression and during the war, as did other Washingtonians in that era. They made many sacrifices, but found so much joy in the experiences that didn’t involve a lot of money -- picnics at Hains Point, trips to Glen Echo, and visits to family in W.Va.

After graduation, Juanita, known as “Nete” to those close to her, worked at Union Station and at the F.B.I. As a file clerk for the F.B.I., she was familiar with the files of famous gangsters, such as Baby Face Nelson! In later years, she often spoke with great respect of her boss, J. Edgar Hoover, who was always kind to her and other junior fellow employees.

On June 1, 1946, Nete married her longtime sweetheart, Bill Robey, who she had been “sweet on” since their days at Hine Junior High, and who had just left the U.S. Navy. They honeymooned in Asheville, N.C., and forever after. Bill died in 2015, just before their 69th anniversary. They are celebrating their second honeymoon today!

Their years with the American Embassy in Germany also held many special memories for Nete. In 1957, Bill’s job with the United States Information Agency sent him to Germany with Nete and their three children, Ronald, Jack and Donna. They traveled throughout Europe and made many lifelong friends. In 1960, the family settled in Fairfax City, Va. where Nete and Bill lived for almost 50 years. Nete was dedicated to her church, St. George’s United Methodist, and community, as well as her family. She and Bill founded the Dixie Teen Twirlers square dance club in the 1960’s, and continued to sponsor the club for many years. She loved working with youth and made a difference in the lives of many young people.

After retirement, Nete and Bill traveled extensively, visiting their many friends around the country. They cherished their grandchildren and taught them the meaning of love and faith in Jesus Christ. In 2007, they moved to Harrisonburg where all their children had settled. Through their remaining years, they continued to nurture their family and share the wisdom and love they had gained through the rich experiences of their lives -- they were truly part of the “greatest generation.”

Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, Basil and Biddie Zickafoose; her brothers, Basil, Jr., and William Zickafoose; and her beloved son, Jack, who died in 2013. She is survived by her brothers, Jack Zickafoose, Donald Zickafoose and wife Patricia; children: Ronald and wife Brenda, Donna and husband Curt Tinsley, daughter-in-law Diane Robey; grandchildren: Jeffrey and partner Kevin Makowski, Jennifer Steinbach and husband Raphael, Jason Robey and wife Amanda, Jessica Keown and husband Michael; Tara and Rachel Tinsley; 10 great-grandchildren and many loved nieces and nephews. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose love for the Lord defined her life.

A viewing for family and friends will be held at Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg, 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 10. A graveside service will be held at Mountain Valley Cemetery at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, followed by a memorial service at Bridgewater United Methodist Church at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Juanita’s memory to St. George’s United Methodist Church, Fairfax, Va.; Bridgewater United Methodist Church, Bridgewater, Va.; or Camp Overlook, 3014 Camp Overlook Lane, Keezletown, Va.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.