Dona G. Julian

Dona Gayle (Jefferis) Julian, 75, of St. Joseph passed away peacefully into her Savior’s arms Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 A.M. Thursday at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2673 W. John Beers Rd., Stevensville with Rev. Brett Ehlke officiating. Burial will follow at Lincoln Township Cemetery.  Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  Memorials may be made to Michigan Lutheran High School or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Stevensville.  Those wishing to sign Dona’s memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Dona was born June 25, 1942 in Benton Harbor to James and Else (Rutz) Jefferis. She graduated from Lakeshore High School in 1960 and met the love of her life while working at the original Peoples State Bank in downtown St. Joseph.  She married Ross Julian on June 29, 1963. Their family grew to a family of five over the next seven years.  Dona enjoyed being a full-time mom and homemaker during her children’s younger years and together she and Ross provided them with a Christian home and education. Dona worked for Lincoln Township for seventeen years.  She was the township clerk for twelve years. During this time, she was also the bookkeeper for her husband’s business, Tidy Car. Dona’s favorite memories included family camping trips and vacations, and attending her kid’s and grandkid’s sporting and school events. She will be remembered for her kindness and compassion towards others and above all her strong faith. She walked with God through her liver transplant 23 years ago, cancer, leukemia, and many more health challenges – never complaining, always smiling and always trusting her Savior. Dona is survived by her husband Ross; daughters Dawn (Roger) Jewell and Diane (Kirk) Lieberg; son Jim (Tamara) Julian; grandchildren Nicholas and Alex Jewell, Kelsey (Jordan) Leemaster & Cameron Krieger, and Moira Julian. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Linda Jefferis.