JuAna LaGoy Wood, 77, of Pottsboro, Texas, passed away on August 29, 2025.
She was born in Germany on August 20, 1948 to Vincent Amor and Johanna Theresia (Paul) LaGoy. JuAna grew up in a military family, which meant moving often and experiencing life in many places — including several formative years in Japan. In middle school, her family settled in California, where she began to lay the foundation for the life of compassion and service she would become known for.
JuAna had a heart for helping others, but her deepest passion was caring for animals — especially those no one else wanted. Whether rescuing stray dogs, fostering those in need, or volunteering countless hours with local dog rescue organizations, she made it her mission to give love where it was needed most. Her involvement in the Pottsboro and Denison communities, touched many lives — both two-legged and four-legged.
She is survived by her loving long-term partner, Fred Grosscup of Pottsboro, TX; her two children, Christian Ratzer and husband Christopher of Wasilla, Alaska, and Victor McDowell of Camarillo, California; five cherished grandchildren: Bauer, Derek, Peyton, Cy Ratzer, and John McDowell; and nine siblings.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 401 W. Woodard Street, Denison, TX 75020.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to DAWG (Denison Animal Welfare Group, https://givebutter.com/DAWG), continuing JuAna’s lifelong dedication to the animals she so dearly loved.
JuAna’s legacy of kindness, service, and compassion will live on through the many lives she touched and the countless animals she saved.
