HUGOTON – Julie Annette Caffee Cruz, 62, died Saturday, July 27, 2024.

She was born Sept. 24, 1961.

After graduating from Elkhart High School in 1979, she 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, she persisted in her drawing and painting, and found people to be her favorite subjects.

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, where she enjoyed sharing her knowledge, talent and unique perspectives with her students.

While in El Paso, she 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.

Joining a Christian women’s group, she discovered a place to share with other women her own journey of faith. She recognized the importance of that decision in her life and lived the remainder of hers sharing her love of Jesus with others.

Survivors include her parents, Carol and Gail Nash, and Roland and Jeri Caffee; siblings: Patty and husband, Alan Bultman, Dan and wife, Tammie Caffee, Bob and wife, Linda Caffee, Chuck and wife, Stephanie Caffee, Jenna and husband, Russ Ludvicek, Stacey and husband, Ted Hernandez, and Lee Nash; stepchildren: Ashley, Tyler and Audriana; five grandchildren; and many other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her great-nephew Dominic Esarey.

o A Celebration of Life service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024 at the Morton County Civic Center at 400 E. Orchard Street in Elkhart, with Patty Lahey presiding. The service will be livestreamed on the Garnand Funeral Home Facebook page.

Memorials are suggested to Peace House Ministries-Youth Programs, PO Box 729, Hugoton, KS 67951. 

Condolences may be left at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.

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