Julie, surrounded by family and friends, died peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 19, 2012, after a ferocious five year battle with cancer. She was 60 years young. Julia Ann was born September 24th, 1951 in Nashville, Tennessee to Waneta and Bill Matthews, as her father, a founding member of the original Jordanaires and Foggy River Boys, was singing with the Grand Old Opry. Julie grew up wedged between two brothers and surrounded by a large, loving family. A gifted singer and musician, Julie graduated from Glendale High School in 1969 and while there, was a proud member of the Glengarry Scots. She continued to serve her classmates over the course of 40 years, helping coordinate many happy reunions and acting as the Class of 69's corresponding secretary/treasurer. She married the love of her life, Douglas B. Kays on August 24, 1974 in Springfield, Missouri. At first, the couple lived in Independence, Missouri, returning to Springfield to make their permanent home in 1977. Sharing a love of books, history, travel, friends and family life, for them the honeymoon never ended. Julie was a good and caring mother to their sons, Geoff and Justin. She created a magical childhood for the boys, doting on their many friends and truly had a family that knew no limits. Julie served in local, state and national office with the Parent Teacher Association, including being honored to serve as President of the Missouri PTA from 2001-2003. At the time of her death, she was the Chairperson of the Board of South Street Christian Church and a member of the choir. Devoted to her church, she had also served as an Elder, chairperson for Crosslines, the Crosslines Toy Store, and as a proud Cougar Club tutor at Campbell Elementary School. Many years of service to the Board of United Ministries in Higher Education, a campus ministry of MSU, was recently celebrated with the UMHE Carter Award of Acheivement. Preceded in death by her father Bill Matthews, her brother Rick Matthews, her nephew Scott Matthews, and her father-in-law Bud Kays, Julie is survived by her husband of 37 years, Douglas B. Kays; her son and daughter-in-law, Geoffrey and Lisa Kays of Dallas, Texas and her son, Justin Kays of St. Louis, Missouri. Also surviving are her mother, Waneta Matthews and mother-in-law, Evelyn Kays, both of Springfield, her brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Wendy Matthews, and her sister-in-law, Connie Matthews of Independence, Missouri, many loving nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Team Julie, Rob Lurvey, her "Book Club" and countless other friends mourn her passing. Julie was an Angel on the earth and with certainty, waits for us, tastefully accessorized, somewhere over the rainbow. Visitation will be held on Friday evening, June 22nd from 6 until 8 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home - Brentwood, 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield, Missouri. South Street Christian Church will host a Celebration of her life on Saturday morning, June 23, 2012 at 10 a.m. at 500 South Avenue. Memorial donations may be made to Legal Services of Southern Missouri, 809 N. Campbell, Springfield, Missouri 65802.