Julia Ann Harkreader, 85, of Springfield, Missouri, died June 19, 2023. She was born November 25, 1937, in Fort Smith, Arkansas to the late Julian and Edith Reding. Ann met Damon Harkreader while teaching school in Hartford, Arkansas. They married in September of 1958, almost 65 years ago. She loved all of her occupations: wife, mother, homemaker, educator (28 years), and church organist (24 years). She was a proud cheerleader to her children and grandchildren. She also loved animals, particularly those of the canine persuasion plus one mischievous cat.

Originally from around Greenwood, Arkansas, Ann and Damon lived on the Gulf Coast of Texas during most of their working years. During this time, Ann completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas, and a Master of Science degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in Houston, Texas

Ann and Damon returned to Greenwood after Damon retired and later moved to Springfield, Missouri. Until illness prevented her attendance, Ann was a faithful church member wherever she lived, most recently attending Macedonia Baptist Church. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and Phi Delta Kappa, honorary organizations for outstanding educators. In Arkansas she participated in the Order of the Eastern Star, the South Sebastian County Historical Society, the EMP Volunteer Fire Department, and the “September Strings” mountain dulcimer group. In Springfield, she attended the Civil War Roundtable, lifelong learning and fellowship groups LIFT and PEP, and the dominoes group at Chesterfield Family Center.

Ann is survived by her husband, Damon Harkreader, and brother, Mark and wife Linda Reding; daughter Beth and husband Bob Kick of Springfield; son Larry and wife Sue Harkreader of Lafayette, Colorado; son’s widow Susan Phillips of Olympia, Washington; grandchildren Laura and husband Paul Geringer, Matthew and wife Colleen Harkreader, Ian and wife Sarah Harkssen, and Daniel and wife Grace Kick; and great-grandchildren Wyatt and Isabel Harkreader.

Ann was preceded in death by her son Steve Harkreader and her sister Marilyn Laster.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 27, at Greenlawn South Funeral Home at 11:30 a.m., followed by burial at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery in Springfield.

The family will greet friends the previous evening, Monday, June 26, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Greenlawn South Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grand Oak Baptist Mission Center (2854 Grand St, Springfield, MO 65802), the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home (1837 East Cherry Street, Springfield, MO 65802), or the charity of your choice.