Juanita Frances (Keebaugh) Burgess, age 78, of Ravenswood, West Virginia, departed her earthly home Saturday, October 24, 2026, leaving her tired and worn-out body and scooted up to Heaven to join her beloved parents, “Bill” and Lucille (Bourgeois) Keebaugh.

Born at home on September 13, 1948, in Jackson County, West Virginia, Juanita was a country girl through and through. She was as smart and witty as they come, with a quick mind, a sharp sense of humor, and a heart big enough to make room for everyone. She loved tending to her garden, getting lost in a good book, and lending a helping hand to anyone who needed one. In her small-town community, she was known for her kindness and generosity. She never thought herself above anyone and treated people from every walk of life with the same graciousness and respect. To Juanita, a person’s worth was never measured by what they had, but by who they were.

Above all, Juanita loved her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest blessings, and she took immense joy in every one of them. To those who knew her as Gigi, she was a source of love, laughter, wisdom, and comfort. Her presence made life a little brighter, and her wit could bring a smile even when one was least expected.

Juanita is survived by her children, William Harold Burgess, Rosa Pauline Murrey, and Ray Leon Burgess (Tammy) and Jenny Santilli. She is also survived by her brothers, Kenneth Ray Keebaugh and Wilmer Royal Keebaugh (Pat), and her sisters, Opal Irene Johns (Terry) and Ruth Fern Grimmett (Pat). She was preceded in death by her oldest sister, Virginia Carolyn Skinner.

Her beloved grandchildren include Christopher and Samantha Santilli; Kenneth “Nyxie” Murrey (Renee Crandall); Chelsi Burgess; Brooke Givens (Brandon); Jeremy Burgess; Jessica Ball (David); Karli Babylon Murray (Cory); Kirsti Babylon and Josh Grimmett who was like a grandson to her.

But if you asked Gigi, her great-grandchildren were the true joy of her world. She leaves behind John “JJ” Hickman III; Taylor, Hayden, and Liam Ball; Brittney and Reese Phillips; Elijah and Malichi White; Grayson Burgess Smith; and Theodore Murray. Each held a special place in her heart, and the love she poured into them will continue to live on through the generations.

Juanita was simply loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humility, laughter, and love—a life measured not by possessions or accomplishments, but by the countless people she helped, the family she cherished, and the hearts she touched along the way.

Though our hearts are heavy in her absence, we can take comfort in knowing that a little piece of Juanita will always be with us. So, the next time you see a beautiful flower blooming, take a moment to think of her. When you pick up a good book and lose yourself in its pages, remember her. And when you see someone in need, offer a helping hand, just as she always did.

We will miss her more than words can say, but we will carry her love, her laughter, and her country-girl spirit with us always.

Rest easy, Gigi. Heaven is a little brighter with you there.

Private burial will be in Salt Hill Church Cemetery, Cedar Lakes Road, Ripley, WV. 

Arrangements provided by Casto Funeral Home, Ravenswood, WV.