Juanita Burns Egel

Juanita (Burns) Egel passed away May 2, 2016 at her residence in Bentonville surrounded by family. She was 86. Juanita was born on December 2, 1929 in Kingston, Ark., to Jack and Alice Dorsey. Juanita had a lifelong devotion to family, children, service and the underdog. It was her love for children that inspired her to run a day care service in her home for over 15 years. Later Juanita spent several years as a waitress at the Bentonville Holiday Inn Restaurant where a radiant smile and humor would be served alongside the food. To the end, she would affectionately recall the names and personalities of her favorite customers and the numerous children that had been entrusted in her care. One of the many endearing qualities of Juanita was her ability to connect with people and immediately create a bond of trust where she would lovingly offer guidance and friendship. In September 1979, Juanita married Duane Egel a lineman for the City of Bentonville. She cared for her husband in the home for over seven years after a serious on the job injury until his passing in February 1990. Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Roy Dorsey of Huntsville, and Jean Bryant of Wichita, Kan. Juanita is survived by her four children, James (Rocky) Baker and spouse Linda of Springdale, Pamela Burns of Dallas Texas, Robert Burns of Frisco, Texas, David Burns of Bentonville. Juanita left a legacy of eight grandchildren, Jimmy Baker and spouse Kristyn of Springdale, Brian Baker and spouse Mandy of Springdale, Michelle Baker of Slidell, La., Jared Burns and spouse Meghan of Rogers, Chelsea Burns of Rogers, Amanda Pead and spouse Patrick of Washington, DC, Ally Burns and Jackson Burns of Frisco, Tex.; six great-grandchildren, Landon Baker, Meg Baker, Ben Baker, Eli Baker, Colby Baker and Charlotte Baker all of Springdale. Juanita is also survived by two sisters, Shirley Miles and Mary Ricketts. Juanita was passionate about "Paying It Forward" an expression for describing the beneficiary of a good deed repaying it forward to the next person thereby leaving the world a little better than before. Her last act was to donate her body to medical science and research so that the next generation of medical professionals may one day benefit others. In honoring their Mothers request of "Paying It Forward", the family is requesting that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the non-profit organization Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Rd., Springdale, 72762, or through their website at: www.nwacircleoflife.org. Juanita's family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2016, at Rollins Funeral Home, 1401 W. Hudson Rd., in Rogers. The family wishes to thank Dr. Raj Dondeti, Mercy Home Health, Comfort Keepers and Circle of Life for their exceptional and compassionate care in her last months. Juanita was a blessed woman whose life surpassed all of her youthful dreams. May the love she so freely gave, live on in the hearts of those she touched. Online condolences may be made at www.rollinsfuneral.com.