Julia J. House

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend Julia J. House, 85, Topeka, has gone home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Julia passed away peacefully on August 26, 2012.

Julia was born on September 9, 1926 to Emmett and Erma Ritchey in rural Kingman County, Kansas. The sixth of seven children, Julia, known by friends as "Judy," was raised on the family farm and attended school at the Ritchey School, named for her family. She graduated from Cheney High School in 1944.

At age 18 she met the love of her life, Stanley Neil House, in Goddard, Kansas. They married on June 19, 1949 and were the proud parents of three children, two of whom survive her. Stanley Neil House, Jr. was born on January 21, 1959 and died weeks later.

Julia worked for 17 years at Kansas Electric Cooperatives and was a member of First Christian Church.

One of Julia's favorite Bible verses was Galatians 5:22-23 – "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Julia exemplified the fruit of the Spirit in her daily life, especially love. She steadfastly loved her children Joy Burchfield and Robert House (Susan); her grandchildren Rachel Burchfield, Ryan House (fiancée Molly), Tyler House, and Bryant House; and her sister Lois Butler, all whom survive her.

She was preceded in death by her husband on December 12, 2007; her infant son on February 4, 1959; sisters Edna Oliver, Iris Hawley Snapp, Hallie Pipkin, and Jennie Ruth Spurrier; and brother, Frank Ritchey.

Graveside services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 30 at the Vinita cemetery in Kingman County, Kansas. Visitation for Julia will be held from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29, at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road.

The family suggests expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorials to Alzheimer's Association, 4125 SW Gage Center Drive, LL-15, Topeka, Kansas 66604 or the charity of the donor's choice.