Julia Strusz

Julia Lucinda Orr was the eldest child born to Horace and Elizabeth on April 13, 1915, in Canajaharie, NY, the home of the Beechnut Gum Company. She and her family later moved to New Jersey, where her father managed Woodbrook Dairy Farm. Julia graduated from Metuchen High School in New Jersey and then from Packer Business School in New York City. She worked in the insurance field, and later in life at Middlesex Community College, Edison, NJ. In 1947, Julia married the love of her life, Robert E. Strusz. They had two sons, Robert and David. Julia became a widow in 1963, when she was left to finish raising her two sons.
After moving to Missouri in 1994, Julia became involved in the Republic Senior Center and the Hospitality Club of Springfield and joined Hood United Methodist Church in Republic. She was very proud of her heritage and was known to declare “I’m a damn Yankee!” She loved spending time with friends, playing cards, traveling and in later years, riding the OATS bus and spotting the cows.
Julia died on Christmas day at 6:10 p.m. with her family at her side.
She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, brothers Horace (Buddy) and Pierson. She is survived by her son Robert and his wife Ella, of the state of Maine, and her son David and his wife Margaret, of Republic, Missouri. She is also survived by granddaughters Amanda, Molly, Emily, Abigail and Anna.
Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, December 30, at 1 pm in the Old Sanctuary at Hood United Methodist Church, Republic, MO. The family requests memorial donations be made to the OATS transportation service through the Republic Senior Friendship Center, 210 East Hines Street, Republic, MO 65738.
Permanent online condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.