Juanita Joan Pewenofkit

Juanita Joan "Nita Jo" Pewenofkit, 81 of Lawton, Oklahoma passed peacefully from this earthly life into eternity, into the loving arms of Jesus on 3 June 2025 surrounded by her family. "Nita Jo", a nickname she proudly loved, given by Grandpa Willie Snake was born to Kye and Gladys (Snake) Yackeyonny. She was the first grandchild, also making her the oldest grandchild of Willie-Bessie Snake. In her early childhood, the family lived in Walters and Lawton area along with her Comanche Grandmother Mary Tafperdy Poemoceah. The family later settled in Anadarko, where she graduated high school. Nita married her life-long sweetheart Amos Pewenofkit Sr., former Apache Chairman and together they had one very much cherished daughter, Kylene. As a proud grandmother, she would brag on them, support them every chance she got and would do whatever it took for her, to help take care of them. Nita was a proud enrolled member of the Delaware Nation and equally proud descendant of the Comanche Nation. In her younger years, Nita Jo was known as one of first and few female war dancers. Her Grandpa Woogie Watchetaker gave his blessing and taught her how to make her regalia, how to dress wearing bustles and fancy dance. She competed amongst her male counterparts and the other female fancy dancers (Gigi Palmer, Wilma Blackowl). She enjoyed spending time with Mr. and Mrs. George Tahbone, Sr. who lovingly encouraged her in her native american culture, especially in the powwow arena. Her and sister Judith performed and shared their Native American culture before the Governor of New Jersey. Also, she enjoyed going to Indian Handgames and traveled to Crow Agency with the Oklahoma Team including her Mom Gladys, sister Pamela and nephew Kyle. After graduating high school she attended Haskell Indian Nations University where she graduated from and worked as a dorm matron, later transferring to Riverside Indian School. Also, she worked as a factory worker in a shock manufacturing facility in Chickasha, Ok. She landed her dream job, operating in her gift in the nursery and childcare at First Methodist Church-Anadarko. Throughout her entire life, she dedicated herself to supporting her Mom in the support and care-taking of a host of family members: her grandparents, mother, husband, daughter and grandchildren, cousins, nephews. In addition, she became Auntie-Momma to her nieces and nephews, and other family members in need. She wasn't just an Aunt, but another Momma figure in their lives, caring for them as her own. Nita Jo enjoyed all family gatherings, especially those at the lake(s) and in the celebrations of their milestones. She enjoyed gathering with the family at large and watching OU and OSU football as well as watching the Oklahoma Thunder basketball games. She was a loyal penpal to family near and far. She honored veterans and was proud of her family members military service. She enjoyed listening to Christian music, classic rock and the "Indian Hour" on the radio. She enjoyed reading her Anadarko Newspaper. She would clip articles on family members and keep them as keepsakes before scrapbooking became a thing. She enjoyed all things Elvis, watching Texas Walker Ranger and would be gleeful when she talked about how her and Grandma Gladys accidently met Chuck Norris. In 2017, she along with Kylene and her grandchildren went to live with her niece and family in Lawton. This same year, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Endometrial Cancer, over time she beat the cancer. In 2022, she was told the cancer was back, more aggressive and had spread. With a second opinion, she chose treatment against the odds. In May 2024 she received the miracle news she was cancer free, once again. She was a Strong Heart Study participant for over 20+ years because she believed in the mission. She shared her medical journey with others because she wanted others to be educated about cancer and to get screenings and to tell others about how Jesus was with her, through it all. Nita Jo loved the Lord Jesus all her life, supporting ministry and praying for others fervently. She was proud of her nephew Jackie Hunter to see the change in him, and watch him and his family grow in ministry. She attended First Caddo Baptist Church, Washita Grace Church and Lawton First Assembly with her family over the years and she received bedside visitation from Pastor's Tim Nestell, Kenneth Laurenzana and Gary-Debbie Pratt. Nita Jo faced many battles in life. She remained loyal, resilient and steadfast. To the very end of this life, Nita was a Warrior, she was a Soldier for the Lord and a Fighter for all whom she loved. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4:7 She is survived by her grandchildren: Aidyn, Julianna, Yvette, Ivy; Sister’s: Judith DeLaRosa, Pamela Ortega, and Birdie Domebo. Her primary caregiver and supportive system; special niece and family: Rhonda and Kenny Williams, Candace, Randall, and Dominic and grandchildren Gabriel, Alexis, Alex and Lupita. Special Nephews and family: JR Yackeyonny and Lisa, and Kyle Chalepah. Special Nieces and family: Ofelia DeLaRosa-Akin and Dave, Lupe and Thomas Ostruske, and Victoria DeLaRosa-Feliciano and Carlos. Additional numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, grandchildren and a large host of Delaware, Comanche, Apache, and Kiowa Nation families as well as loving friends who were her family. She is preceded in death by her husband: Amos Pewenofkit Sr., daughter: Kylene Pewenofkit, parents: Kye and Gladys Yackeyonny, and one sister: Shirley and three brothers: Kermit Sr., Marvin "Stomach" Sr., Kye Jr.., Special Nephew: Keith Yackeyonny. Special Niece Michelle Yackeyonny. Special Grandsons: Dominic Reyna and Robert Yackeyonny. Maternal grandparents: Frank Snake, Willie and Bessie Hunter Snake, Tenneesee Thomas. Paternal grandparents: Oliver and Mary (Tafperdy) Poemoceah, Owen Yackeyonny and great-grandparents: Sam and Nu-See Yackeyonny. Special Parents whom she affectionately called "Dad and Mom": George and Marjorie Tahbone, Sr. The family expresses a special Thank You to the entire staff at Elk Crossing in Duncan, Ok and the staff at Integris Health Cancer Institute (Dr. Mandanas) in OKC, Ok for all the great care and support you gave her, to help her live her best life!

Juanita Joan Pewenofkit

April 4, 1944 - June 3, 2025

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