Julia Ann Raven Lay

Seems impossible Julie died 14 years ago. Rick & I talk about her periodically, recalling the fun we three had together throughout our wonderful childhood.
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My brother, Rick, and I miss Julie and always will. She was a wonderful part of our lives.

The world just lost a great lady. I remember the day I met her at my first IS show. She said I saw a beautiful dog and had to come to see it. She made friends with Keegan and then asked who I was. We both laughed because we also had cockers in common. I made a friend that day. She was brutally honest and funny as hell. Those are two qualities that I loved in her. There will never be another Julie. The world was a better place because she was in it.

I was so sorry to here of Julie's passing. I have thought of her often since the call from Marilyn. I remember the old gang of Toni, Marilyn, Norma, myself and of course Julie and all the fun we had at dog shows with our infamous Irish's. The world will be sadder without her unique outlook on life and that wicked sence of humor. I hope she didn't make St. Peter wait too long at the pearlie gates! My prayers to all her family.

Christine, David and your families, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother, a wonderful woman whose life ended too soon.

I remember Julie looking over the small fence in our backyard on Andrews AFB in DC almost 30 years ago and asking me where did you get that dog? He was a nasty little wire fox terrier and I was terrified he had bitten her! She liked him and he tolerated her, which is more than he did with most. This was the beginning of a very dear friendship. We spent hours together late in the evenings talking about everything under the sun. She was funny, bright, and had a wonderful way of looking at the world and the people in it - I learned a great deal about tolerance from Julie. We move from DC to Georgia and Julie moved to NOLA. We stayed in touch via the phone, for years we talked almost on a daily basis. And again, for years, as Westminister would roll around, at the end of night one, I would pour my scotch and call Julie, who provided wonderful insights about the "dog world" often predicting the final outcome. The next night I would look hard at the Irish and call her to discuss the pedigree and merits of the "chosen" one, always wishing it was one that Julie bred.

The world is darker, quieter, and not near as much fun! Julie, I will have a very hard time watching the 2010 Westminister, you are sorely missed.

You were my "other" mother and always made sure my halo was kept on straight. I hope I continue to make you proud with Lucy and my future endeavors with Irish Setters. As you once said, " you learned well grasshopper". Missing you, Jamie

Our family was enriched when Lurleen married David by a spunky, hilarious, wonderful woman named Julia. Her extended family will miss her very much. Coffee and dessert will not be the same at the holidays without her here.

You were my best friend and I miss you so very much.

All my love, Cathy

It gives us some comfort to know you are now with our Dallas and Switch.
We will miss you.
Ed & Cheryl Buck

I am so very sorry to hear this news. Julie's passage marks the first in my age bracket in the family, and I am not ready for that. My prayers are with Christine, David, their spouses, and grandchildren. All my love, Gnann

Julie, No one could ask for a better friend. I will miss you forever.

Marilyn Greene

Julie, my brother Rick and I were neighbors whose moms were best of friends. They raised us like we were two sisters and a brother. I cannot imagine any childhood having been better. I will miss Julie's love, her advice and her humor. Rick and I have lost a part of our lives that is irreplaceable.