Julie Ann Deems Julien, 76, of Kansas City, MO, passed away Monday, January 17, 2022, in Scottsdale, AZ, after a short illness. For those who knew Julie, she was a private person that loved to care for others but did not want to be cared for. Most did not even know she was sick, so her loss came rather unexpectedly and has shocked and deeply saddened family and friends.
Julie was born on September 10, 1945, in Butler, MO, to Harley John Deems and Rena Dale Bradley Deems. Julie married the love of her life, Don Edward Julien, on November 9, 1961. After a brief time in Kansas City, Don and Julie moved to Marshall in 1962 to start the John Deere business fondly known as Deems Farm Equipment with Julie’s father, Harley.
Julie was a loving mother, mammy, and great mammy to two children, Tawnya Julien Neal and Derek Julien, who preceded Julie in death and left a huge hole in her heart; one grandson, Logan Neal and his wife, Chloe; two great-grandsons, Henry Bruce Neal, whom she absolutely adored, and newly born Noah Edward Neal. We are quite sure Julie watched over to ensure Chloe had a comfortable and quick delivery of Noah.
In the mid 70’s, after her children were independent, Julie pursued her medical passion by attending the Marshall Vocational Technical School and earning her LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) degree. She worked for many years at Bothwell Hospital in Sedalia and subsequently as a surgical assistant for one of the best doctors ever at Bothwell, Dr. William R. Cole.
Julie and Don sold Deems Farm Equipment in 2013. They have spent the past nine years indulging their love of travel, wintering in Arizona, trying new restaurants and new adventures while thoroughly enjoying retired life together. Julie especially loved to read a book or two while soaking in the sun while Don was on the golf course. Julie had a very giving heart and truly enjoyed giving back to the Saline County community that supported Deems Farm Equipment for 51 years. This was done by contributing to numerous causes and facilities throughout the community with Julie’s passion project being contributing to the Missouri Valley College School of Nursing.
“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; that is to have succeeded.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emmerson.
A celebration of Julie’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Marshall with William W. Harlow officiating. Burial will follow at Ridge Park Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Missouri Valley College School of Nursing. To honor Julie’s passion for this program and her generous spirit, the family will match all donations in memory of Julie.