Born in Spencer, Iowa on September 24, 1961, Julie Annette Caffee Cruz passed from this life on July 27, 2024, at her home in Hugoton, KS. Julie moved with her parents and four siblings to Elkhart, Kansas in 1966 where she spent the remainder of her growing up years. By the age of three, her artistic ability was already evident. Undeterred by a diagnosis of Scleroderma and Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of fourteen, Julie continued creating art even as her hands drew closed. Her determination more apparent with each passing year hers was a talent that improved as she matured. After graduating from Elkhart High School in 1979, Julie went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from West Texas State University in 1985.
Through dozens of surgeries, joint replacements and other medical procedures, Julie persisted in her drawing and painting. She found people to be her favorite subjects. Capturing the tiniest of detail in both pencil and watercolor, she brought people to life on each canvas. In whatever medium she chose, her many creations were a personal reflection of her own beautiful heart.
While art was Julie’s first passion, teaching became her second. She began teaching art to secondary students in 1995. Teaching at Yarbrough Schools until 2001, she then began teaching art at El Paso Community College in El Paso, Texas in 2004. Sharing her knowledge, her talent and her unique perspectives with her students, Julie was an inspiration and a blessing in the lives of her many students both young and old. Her EPCC students shared with her that when they did not feel like coming to class, they would tell themselves “If Julie can do it, we can too.” Julie believed herself equally blessed by each one of her students. Her connection to people was authentic, her relationships real. Her legacy lives on in the art she created and in her teaching. Julie holds firmly, even now, to the heartstrings of all those who knew her, and she leaves an indelible mark upon the hearts of all those she loved so well.
While in El Paso, Julie quickly became involved in the art scene. Her membership in Rio Bravo Watercolorists, El Paso Art Association and New Mexico Watercolor Society allowed her to keep up with the changing world of art. Through her involvement in these organizations, she was able to enter local and area art shows where she received numerous awards and recognitions. In addition, Julie’s commissioned artwork can be seen all over the United States and as far away as Germany, the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Julie grew up knowing the Lord, but it was during her time in El Paso that she sought a closer relationship with God. Joining a Christian women’s group, she discovered a place to share with other women her own journey of faith. What Julie was seeking, she found. She recognized the importance of that decision in her life and lived the remainder of hers sharing her love of Jesus with others.
In August 2018 Julie returned to Southwest Kansas due to declining health and to be closer to family. There she continued teaching private art classes, giving lessons and conducting workshops. Living in Hugoton with her sister Patty and brother-in-law Alan, she became actively involved with Peace House Ministries. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with the Pineapple Girls. Of these girls she said, “Their lives give meaning and joy to mine.” Her ministry to them was an act of love and an opportunity for her to share her faith in God with some of the youngest among us.
Julie’s legacy of art, of love and of faith will continue. She saw her talent as a precious gift from God, a gift given to her to create, to teach and to bless others. For those of us who shared her life, she was our artist, our teacher, our daughter, our sister, our aunt, our grandma, our stepmother and our friend. The simple, yet beautiful, light of Julie’s presence in our lives will remain always.
Those remaining to cherish the precious memories of Julie are her parents Carol and Gail Nash of Elkhart, KS and Roland and Jeri Caffee of Wichita, KS. Her siblings and their spouses, Patty and Alan Bultman of Hugoton, KS; Dan and Tammie Caffee of Lawrence, KS; Bob and Linda Caffee of Silex, MO; Chuck and Stephanie Caffee of Pierceville, KS, Jenna and Russ Ludvicek of Shawnee, KS; Stacey and Ted Hernandez of Corinth, TX; Lee Nash of Beeville, Texas; her stepchildren Ashley, Tyler and Audriana; her five grandchildren; her many nieces and nephews; her great nieces and nephews; her aunts, uncles, cousins and many treasured friends. Julie was preceded in death by her great nephew Dominic Esarey.
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 3, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the Morton County Civic Center, 400 E Orchard Street, Elkhart, KS with Patty Lahey officiating. Memorials may be given in Julie’s name to Peace House Ministries-Youth Programs, PO Box 729, Hugoton, KS 67951. The Celebration of Life service will be live streamed on Garnand Funeral Home facebook page. Arrangements are in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 920 E. 11th St. Hugoton, KS 67951. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.