Obituary of Julia Irene Higgins

Sedan - Julia Irene Higgins of Sedan, Kansas died peacefully at Pleasant Valley Nursing Center in Sedan, KS, where she received many years of loving care. Born June 12, 1916 in rural Silver Bow County, Butte, Montana and the last living child of Ruben Gerald Walker and Stella Beatrix (Whitney) Walker. Julia attended Franklin Grade School in Missoula, Montana along with her siblings. In 1928 the family moved where her Mother's family resided and owned the Whitney Drugstore in Cedar Vale, KS. Julia graduated from Cedar Vale High School in 1934 and also held a Cosmetology degree which provided the education needed to teach in Oklahoma at a Cosmetology School before she opened her own beauty shop in the back of the Whitney Drugstore. Julia married Gene Higgins and they had no children. After the age of 40 she returned to college, passed the State Board Exams for Medical Technology, completed residency in Wichita then was employed by Arkansas City Memorial Hospital until her retirement. Julia made many lifelong friends actively living her beliefs by donating time, talent and treasures. She was a published poet, accomplished photographer, avid reader, artist, and cook. Her pursuit of knowledge beginning at birth never faltered. One could always expect a book for a gift on any occasion. First and foremost she loved children and felt it her duty to teach them. Her loving family will miss her encouragement, wisdom, nurturing, and opinions. She is survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews and great, great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband Gene Higgins, her parents, several infant siblings, and adult siblings William K. Walker of Sedan, Ks, Marcella (Walker) Cable of Cedar Vale, Ks and Alathea (Walker) Alsup of Vienna, W.Va. Julia was baptized Jan. 11, 1931, confirmed Sept. 23, 1935 at St Matthews Episcopal Church in Cedar Vale. She transferred her membership to Epiphany Episcopal Church, Sedan, Ks where she relocated shortly after her retirement in 1988. The Episcopal Church was an important part of her life and she was a faithful servant. The Memorial service will be at 11 AM on January 20th, 2014 at the Epiphany Episcopal Church in Sedan, all family and friends are welcomed to join us for the Celebration of her long interesting life. A private service of inurnment will follow the memorial service at the columbarium in Epiphany Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Julia Higgins Memorial at Epiphany Episcopal Church, Sedan or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and the remembrances can be left I care of the David W. Barnes Funeral Home 209 N. Douglas, Sedan, Kansas 67361.