Julia E (Blount) Harlan

Julia E. Harlan, 97, of Newton died on Sunday, November 19, 2017, at Accura Health Care of Newton West.  A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 25, at the Palo Alto Cemetery.  A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials to the Jasper County Historical Society or Planned Parenthood may be left at the funeral home.

Julia, the daughter of Samuel and Orpha B. (Roberts) Blount, was born on March 13, 1920 in rural Prairie City, Iowa.  She graduated from Mitchellville High School in 1936.  Julia was united in marriage with Ellis Harlan on October 31, 1937 in Stuart, Iowa. They lived in Jasper County most of their lives.  Julia worked as a bookkeeper for Industrial and Clean Towel Service for 20 years and also as a bookkeeper for Congregate Meals.  She was a member of the First Unitarian Church in Des Moines, National Organization of Women, Planned Parenthood, Jasper County Historical Society, and the Palo Alto Grange.  Julia was a connoisseur of funny stories and jokes.  She also was known for sending peanut brittle to the veterans in her family during their times of service. 

Julia is survived by her children, Mary Harlan of Des Moines and John (Cindy) Harlan of Des Moines; grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Mark (Andrea) Schultz, Paul (Keiko) Schultz, David (JoRae) Schultz, Darin (Lisa) Herteen, John (MiSuk) Harlan II, Nicole Harlan (Luis Lasa), Elena (Scott) Drewel, Frances Ryan (Al Bakri), Joseph (Melissa) Ryan, Sam Hanna, Laura (Andy) Bergen, and Magda (Neil) Rolfes; 20 great-grandchildren; and her sister-in-law, Ruby Blount.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ellis Harlan; daughter, Jane Harlan; son-in-law, Jim Herteen; great-granddaughter, Clara Bergen; brother, Jason Blount; and a brother in infancy, Wilbur Lee Blount.

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