March 19, 2024

Julia E. Harlan

Nov. 19, 2017

Julia E. Harlan, 97, of Newton, died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, at Accura Health Care of Newton West. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 at the Palo Alto Cemetery. A memorial service will take place at a later date.

Julia, the daughter of Samuel and Orpha B. (Roberts) Blount, was born March 13, 1920, in rural Prairie City. She graduated from Mitchellville High School in 1936. Julia was united in marriage with Ellis Harlan Oct. 31, 1937, in Stuart. 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.