Obituary: Ewald, Justa M.”Anita”
Age 88
Anita led our family with strength, integrity and goodness.
We will miss her love and constant thoughtfulness.
Justa “Anita” Eustaquio Manual Ewald was born in Manila, Philippines and was a beautiful young woman.
She was a beauty queen of the Flores de Mayo Festival held annually in the Philippines and celebrated the entire month of May.
She lived in Honolulu, Hawaii, Great Falls, Montana, and for the past 30 years in Spokane, Washington.
Her life’s work was in healthcare, finally retiring from Sacred Heart Medical Center at the age of 79.
She touched many lives throughout her healthcare career and made many friends.
She loved to travel, Hawaii was a favorite destination and anywhere and everywhere Lyle would pull their 5th wheel.
She loved watching the Mariners, going to Best of Broadway shows with her daughter Beverly, out-fishing Lyle and taking thousands of photographs.
Above all else, she loved family parties and celebrations and the love of her family.
She is survived by her loving husband Lyle Ewald and his family, her children and their families: Frank Ponikvar (Judy), Linda Ponikvar (Layne), Rick Ponikvar, and Beverly Ponikvar (Kate).
Grandchildren: Jess Ponikvar (April), Jazmine Matautia (Joseph), J.J. Williamson, and Erik Danielson.
Great-grandchildren: Orion Ponikvar, Joellz and Jazlene Matautia, and Sierra Love.
She is also survived by her brother Joe Manuel (Cording) of Guam and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Aurelio Manuel and Julita Eustaquio, brother Juan, sisters Angelina and Januaria and John Ponikvar.
Appreciation to our special family friend Kelly, who always made my Mom laugh and helped us tremendously the past few months, Sacred Heart Medical Center for the heartfelt care and a special thanks to Normandie.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 24th from 4:00-8:00 pm at Ball & Dodd Funeral home, 5100 W. Wellesley, Spokane, WA.
Services will be 11:30, Friday, July 25th at Ball & Dodd with burial to follow at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington.
Please feel free to wear Hawaiian attire to the services.
A gathering of friends and family with follow.