Juanita “Nita” Born, 66, of Coldwater, passed away Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Promedica Coldwater Regional Hospital, surrounded by her daughter, Tonya, son-in-law, Matt, and her siblings.
A gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday, December 4, 2020 from 4:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Funeral and Cremation in Union City. The family asks that masks be worn in accordance with the current state mandate.
Nita was born on December 27, 1953 in Thousand Sticks, KY to Robert and Maudie (Couch) Woods. She graduated from Tekonsha High School with the Class of 1971 and received a scholarship to Wright Beauty Academy in Battle Creek. In March of 1972 she married Pvt 1st class of the Air National Guard Melvin (De De) G. Minniear. Their daughter, Tonya Marie, was born February 4, 1973, but the marriage ended in divorce. She later married Rich Ray, and then Master Sergeant Jack Born, who preceded her in death in 2017.
Nita’s work history ranged from Bundy Tubing to Wilhem’s Wharf and Tekonsha Engineering. From 1995-1997, she and her husband, Jack, owned and operated Born’s Channel Shop. Nita later worked at and retired from Walmart Distribution Center in Coldwater.
She enjoyed spending time on East Channel Drive, watching the boats go by and talking to people. She liked being with her friends, Winnie and Pauline, playing BINGO. Nita loved old cars and car shows with her second husband, Rich Ray. She was a good cook when she wasn’t reading or going to MIS events.
Nita’s family was the upmost important factor in her life. She always quoted “Family is all you have and need.” She never knew a stranger. Her heart was always open to everyone and she would give her last dollar to anyone who was in need.
Nita is survived by daughter, Tonya Marie Minniear-Bowers and son-in-law Matt Bowers; stepson, Jeff Born; grandchild Jackson Matthew Bowers; sister-in-law Judy Couch of London, KY, Wayne “Woody” (Brenda) Woods of Kentucky, Sandy (Aaron) Hetrick of Ohio, Margaret (Mike) Hopkins of Coldwater and Jack Woods of Michigan; and sister-in-law Shirley (Born) Massey of Quincy.
Nita was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Born, of Coldwater; her parents, Robert and Maudie (Couch) Woods; and her brother, Lester Couch of Wooten, KY.
Please visit www.lighthousefuneral.com to share memories, pictures and videos with the family.
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