The family announces the loss of the most kind and gentle soul, Julia Lee Holder. She passed away peacefully in her home after a 20+ year battle with cancer.  She leaves behind her loving husband and best friend, Richard Gentry, Jamestown.

Julia was born to Sally Ann Boehm (Lafayette) and William John Krayer (Pennsylvania) in Beech Grove on October 23rd, 1949. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Fouad Elyas Musleh (Syria), both deceased, alongside with her 6 siblings in Indianapolis. She graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1968 and pursued an art degree at Ball State. She leaves behind 6 beautiful brothers and sisters: Elly (Melissa), Susan, Ed (Stacia), Linda (Brad Masai), Lisa (Mike Brezette), and Michael (Missy). Additionally, Julia leaves behind her "soulmate and cousin", Kim Evans, as well as her beloved nieces and nephews: Jordan (Audrey) Musleh, Kyle Musleh, Elaina (Ryan Thomas), Matt Masai, Katie Masai, Henry Brezette, Alexis Musleh and Grant Louks. Julia loved being raised alongside and grew close to many special cousins from both Sally's family as well as Fouad's. She leaves behind a half brother, Gilbert "Gil" Wallach (deceased), and half-sister Peggy Hahn (survives).

Julia was an accomplished artist and had won several local community awards and even won first place in an Indianapolis-wide art contest.  Her love of nature sent her towards any art crafts made from natural resources. Julia dabbled in photography, enjoying the different perspectives seen through a camera lens, which was much like an artist's ability to capture in a painting or drawing. But she stuck with fine arts as Julia always preferred the pencil and paint over a camera.

Julia wed Stephan Holder in 1970 and raised a single daughter, Angela Marie. They lived in South Bend, IN across the street from Notre Dame. Julia, who was raised Catholic, found peace in the Cathedral and raised Angela in the same manner. They lived in Fairbury, IL for 5 years and made deep friendships that still remain to this day. Later they moved to Lebanon, IN where Julia was able to live a lifelong dream, to own horses. She lived on a 12 acre farm north of Lebanon with barns, a rolling hill, creek, large garden and an older turn of the century home that they remodeled. Julia raised a few Arabian horses along with their first half thoroughbred/half quarter horse. Julia also tended to a growing flock of purebred Suffolk ewes and Nubian goats.

Following a divorce, Julia moved to California and worked at a commercial agriculture facility as their bookkeeper for nearly 15 years. During that time she became an integral part of a new world, Salukis. She also learned of her cancer diagnosis. Julia's strong will kept her head strong as she began her long 20+ year battle with cancer.

During her time in California, Julia funded over half of her daughter's college funds and supported her from afar. Angela married Doug Dickerson (Jamestown) following her graduation from Purdue, and raised 2 children of their own: Justin (Erin) and Julia Grace. Julia's heart was always centered around family. Soon after Angela had her first son, Julia moved to Jamestown, Indiana to live near and be a part of her two grandchildren's everyday lives. Julia attended Advance Community Christian Church and enjoyed time spent with the church family each Sunday alongside her daughter and grandchildren. Later, when the family began attending Traders Point Christian Church, she made the decision to rededicate her life in baptism with her 2 grandchildren by her side to Jesus.

Shortly after she moved to Indiana, in 2007, she met Richard. Julia loved being a part of his life and he in hers. They married in 2008. She loved supporting his special interests after work and on weekends and eventually into their retirement. She loved inviting him into her Saluki world. With his artistry and photography skills, Julia enjoyed their adventures together through life. Richard and Julia loved dirt and gravel roads. They would travel the backroads and find the most interesting things that lie just around the corner. Richard shared that he has literally watched a bird land on Julia's shoulder. He believes that only happens to the purest of hearts. Julia completed everything that Richard lacked in his life by how she lived her life. He remains ever grateful for her. He shared, "Finding someone who truly loves you is priceless. I believe Julia and I found that." Julia leaves behind her much loved bonus children gifted by Richard; Rena (Doug), Olivia (Brad), Tazmine, & Jevin; grandchildren; Isaac, Adam, Jelena, Hannah, Averyonna & Elise & great-grandchild; Finley.

Julia was joyously united with her Krayer siblings in 2021 which sparked an instant connection and deep love. She leaves behind Lynn (Michael Trantow), William Brad (Raynee), Lisa (Michael Hendricks, deceased), Lisete (Michael David Johnson) and Lori Julia. In turn, she leaves behind her nieces and nephews: Emily & Michael Oliver with children Kaia & Beckett, Monica Trantow, Megan & Sean Shanahan with children Riona, Braeden, Carina and Liam, Amanda & Nathan Cain with Tristan, Ruby and Hadley, Ashton Britton with Christian, Sylvia & Sheridan Pyeatt with children Maria, William, Gabriella and Michael, John Michael Hendricks, Desiree & Eric Jensen with Alaia, Alexandra Johnson, Catherine Johnson, Connor & Lindsay Oliver, Juliana Oliver and Olivia Herman. They have enjoyed visits in each others homes across the country, several Zoom activities and everyday correspondence. They share equal passions of traveling, family gatherings with much fun and laughter and encouraging each others dreams. Julia always felt a part of her life was missing and wanted to have her entire family united, from her mother's side and her father's. That was fulfilled in 2023 when her siblings along with her daughter and grandchildren met over three different visits in Indiana. Julia has never been happier to see her entire life's dream fulfilled, now feeling complete.

Julia also leaves behind her entire Saluki community/family of cherished friends that were made over her last 47 years. Her passion of the desert-bred sighthound origins traced back to biblical writings, led her on a life-long mission to help other enthusiasts pursue their dreams to restore the Saluki breed of sighthounds back to its original form and function. She leaves behind a legacy of notable champions, article contributions, board offices, judge awards and coveted genetic bloodlines that have been shared with people through the ownership of her puppies, who've become extended family members, across the world. One of Julia's legacy highlights was that she was the first American open field coursing judge to be invited to judge a coursing event in the UK. Due to her ability to love so big, she has had many refer to her fondly and forever remembered as the "Fairy Godmother of Salukis."

Julia's hobbies included spending time with her much-loved siblings along with the entire family and cherished friends (game nights were a treasured time), gardening, horses, singing along with music, watching heartfelt mofams, ever contributing and supporting her Saluki community members, many of which have become like family to Julia's family, and being a special part of her two grandchildren's lives as she attended every event to encourage & support and them as well as celebrate their accomplishments.

Julia's passion was family, and her heart was large enough to love so many. Her mission on earth was to love fiercely and unconditionally. Watching the news broke her heart and she was moved to do something about it. Her passions led her to expand into helping others outside of the United States, so she contacted and supported equally passionate saviors in different parts of the world. Julia not only supported youth through Compassion International but also a special program located in East Africa. Julia befriended and personally supported and helped young Shenegena Killel and his beautiful bride, Rozzie, create the Rozalia Foundation in Tanzania. If you would like to donate to this foundation in memory of Julia, you would be helping improve local communities' economic standards, improve sanitation, and provide education and hygiene products to girls and young women as well as sustain their wildlife and ecosystems. Donations can be completed directly on their website, https://rozaliafoundation.org/

In conclusion, Julia did not lead a normal life which looked very different from the world's norms. From the moment she touched someone, they would change. She connected deeply with each person. Julia's last request to others would be to reach out and connect with someone, lift them up, love them, one person at a time, so that way we can each help change the world.

A Memorial Service will be held at Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary in Lebanon, IN on Wednesday morning, November 1st. Visitation begins at 9 am with the service at 11am. Officiating services are Don Thie (Mount Pleasant Christian Church) & Sherry Follett (Traders Point Christian Church). Graveside services will follow after processional to Old Union Church, Jamestown. All friends and family are invited to join Julia's immediate family for a post service meal.

You are invited to visit the website where you may sign her online register and leave a personal message at www.strawmyerdrury.com.