Julia “Julie” M. (Austin) Allen was born April 28, 1929 in the Union Hill community just north of Troy, Alabama to Ivo and Bertha (Turner) Austin. Julie graduated from Brundidge High School, and went to work for the Troy Insurance Co. From there, she worked for the Alabama Inspection and Rating Bureau in Montgomery, Alabama. She also worked for Jefferson Standard Insurance Co. for 3 years in Tampa, Florida. She was transferred to Austin, Texas to open a new office. That is where she met Richard “Dick” Allen. Dick was enrolled at the University of Texas.

Julie and Dick were married September 30, 1960 in the Methodist Church in Valley, Nebraska. They lived in Omaha until moving into the home place in Valley in 1996. Julie worked as an executive assistant for Ford Farms until she retired.

Julie had many talents. She owned race horses, was involved in farming in Nebraska, and forestry and farming in Alabama. She helped to manage trusts for family and friends, and assisted in development of and was part owner in the first free standing surgical center in Omaha. She was a member of the Valley Historical Society, the Elkhorn Grange, and the Valley American Legion. Julie had a real love for all things outdoors, fishing (both fresh and salt water), hunting and gardening.

Julie passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at her home in Valley, Nebraska. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard “Dick” Allen, and brothers and sisters: Jean A. Botts, James G. Austin, Hubert T. Austin, and Emma Bass. Julie is survived by her sisters: Carolyn A. Ryder of AZ, Virginia A. Olsen of MN, Sharon A. Hinson of AL, and Patricia Neal of AL, sister-in-law Barbara Allen of Millard, NE.