Julia Gamon

Julia Howard Andrew Gamon died on October 30, 2020. Julia was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on February 9, 1933, to Lowell and Martha Andrew. She grew up in the St. Louis, Missouri area. Julia graduated from high school in Columbia, Illinois in 1950. She was valedictorian and president of her class. Julia attended two years of college at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, then transferred to Iowa State University, where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics in 1954. In mid-life, Julia obtained a master’s degree in counseling, and then a Ph.D. in Agricultural Education from Iowa State in 1985. Julia met her husband of 58 years, Harold Gamon, at Iowa State. They met each other on a hayrack ride. Julia and Harold were married on May 29, 1955. To this union, three children were born: Lucy (Mark Schmidt) Gamon, Owen Gamon, and Nancy (Tony Malinauskas) Gamon. Harold and Julia farmed with their family for many years in Washington, Iowa. Julia was also employed as a 4-H and Youth Leader for the ISU Extension Service. In 1980, Harold and Julia moved to Ames, Iowa, where Julia was a professor of Agricultural Education. Julia retired from teaching in 1998, and Harold and Julia returned to Washington, Iowa. They lived at Kerr Hall at the United Presbyterian Home, where they made many good friends, and greatly enjoyed all of the activities available. Julia liked to welcome new residents and was known for her spirit of hospitality. Julia was an avid reader and an accomplished pianist. She played for many years at the Sunday Evensong at the U.P. Home. She loved swimming, bicycling, and a good conversation. Julia also loved traveling, and she and Harold participated in over 45 Road Scholar (Elderhostel) expeditions together. She enjoyed any kind of a club meeting, including A.A.U.W., P.E.O, and her monthly book club. Julia was a gracious hostess, was interested in everyone she met, and in family above all else. She was known by all for her wisdom, kindness, and compassion. Julia was preceded in death by her husband Harold, her brother Arthur, and her son Owen. She is survived by her sister Lucy Butterworth, brother James Andrew, daughters Lucy and Nancy Gamon, and her four grandchildren: Linnea Schmidt, Lincoln Schmidt, Henry Halvorson, and Grant Schmidt. The Jones and Eden Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A private funeral is being planned at the family farm in Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the U.P. Home in Washington, Iowa.

Julia Gamon

February 9, 1933 - October 30, 2020