Obituary of Julia Ann (Knarr) Binkley

Julia Ann (Knarr) Binkley, 98, of Winamac, IN passed away on Monday, July 25, 2022 at her residence in Winamac.  She was born at home on July 24, 1924 in Thornhope, IN to John and Dessie (Nice) Knarr. Julia graduated from Pulaski High School in 1942, 80 years ago. 

She and John Binkley met on a blind date at Indiana University and married on December 26, 1945 while he was in the Navy and she was finishing college. Julia graduated from Indiana University in 1946 with a BS degree in Business.

Julia and John moved back to her parent’s farm where John farmed with his father-in-law. Soon they had two sons, Steven, born September 21, 1946 and Stuart, born on October 2, 1947 and moved to their own farm. Eight years later a daughter, Barbara was born on September 25, 1954.

Julia became a member of the Country Maids Home Extension Club. She kept the accounts for the farm and held the family together when John was unable to farm due to health reasons.

She was a master of everything she did: seamstress, gardener, food preservation, refinishing furniture, wallpapering, cookie and cake decorating, quilting, oil painting, caning chair seats, wool hooked rugs and needlepoint pictures of her design, and every craft that could be done.

Julia was a member of the Wheat Weavers and taught this skill at the local power show. She taught classes to make Ukrainian Pysanky eggs and corn husk dolls at the local library.

Julia was an interviewer for the Indiana Oral History project through Purdue Extension and many of her interviews were published in a set of books.

She served on the Pulaski County Public Library Board, was a member of the Pulaski County Memorial Hospital Pink Ladies Auxiliary, the local Genealogy Society and Historical Society.

One of her greatest achievements was her lifelong work in Genealogy, researching both her and John’s families. Family trips included visits to courthouses, libraries and cemeteries to document and add to the family trees. She has published family history books and is the family keeper of photos and memorabilia. She was proud of having ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary, Civil and both World Wars.

Julia was honest, hardworking and a good example to all. She was very proud of her family.

She is survived by:

Steven (Ann) Binkley, Pearcy, AR    Son

Barbara (Dean) Neal, Winamac, IN   Daughter

5 Grandchildren:

Paul (Liane) Binkley

Cliffton (Nikki Sedges) Binkley

Ben (Jenna) Neal

Ellen (Andy) Stellhorn

Ali (Bryan) Myers

13 Great grandchildren:

Delilah Neal

Damien Neal

Hailey Neal

Evan Bishop

Braylin Bishop

Sophia Binkley

Ireland Myers

Archer Myers

Nick Binkley

Matt Binkley

Alex Binkley

Ashley Binkley

Adam Binkley

1 Great-great granddaughter

Preceded in death by:

John and Dessie (Nice) Knarr, Parents

John Binkley, Husband

Stuart Binkley, Son

Stanley Binkley, Grandson

Private Burial will take place at Pro Cemetery in Winamac, IN. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. 

Online Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac, IN.