Julie Thomas

Pierrette Julia (Julie) Thomas February 13, 1940 – February 23, 2025

Pierrette Julia d'Eaubonne, known to most as Julie and affectionately called Petie in her youth, passed away peacefully at her home in Ozark, Missouri, on February 23, 2025, at the age of 85.

Julie was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on February 13, 1940, to Marc d'Eaubonne. After her mother remarried James Bowers, Julie was lovingly raised by James as his own. Throughout her childhood, Julie’s family moved frequently, as her mother pursued a doctoral degree in foreign language, giving her the unique experience of living in Tennessee, Florida, Texas, and Connecticut. One of her fondest memories was spending time with her beloved grandfather, Albert Tremain, in Connecticut.

After completing her studies at Evangel University and Southwest Missouri State College, Julie earned her degree in Secondary Education and was certified to teach K-12. She shared her passion for teaching in St. Louis Missouri,Springfield Missouri, and Riverside, California.

Julie’s personal life was marked by the love she gave to her family, friends and the many animals she cared for over the years. She married Jim Ratcliffe and had three daughters, later marrying David Levins and then Max Thomas having two daughters. In 1973, Julie and her family made their home in Dallas County, Missouri, where they purchased an 80-acre farm. There, she and Max raised horses, cattle, and dogs, and Julie opened Ozark Honey Dew Kennels, which became a renowned international business and the third-largest private employer in the county.

Julie was a passionate animal lover and dedicated her life to caring for animals. She shared her knowledge with others, teaching proper animal care to both pet owners and prospective breeders. Her efforts expanded to breeding thoroughbred racehorses and American Quarter Horses, and later, she specialized in breeding Newfoundlands, placing them as pets, show dogs, and service animals.

Julie was predeceased by her mother Alice Tremain-Bowers; biological father, Marc d'Eaubonne; stepfather, James Bowers, who raised her as his own; half-sister, Elsa Goiame-d'Eaubonne; and her beloved daughter, Sarah Thomas.

Julie is survived by her sisters Jane Dennis (Seymore, MO) and Susan Nitzsche and husband David (Blue Springs, MO); daughters: Jennie Ratcliffe Haymes and husband David (Springfield MO), Joanne Ratcliffe Lollis and husband Michael (Strafford, MO), Jacqueline Ratcliffe (Ozark, MO), and Jessica Thomas-McCowan (Nixa, MO). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Josh Lollis and wife Katie, Jenna Lollis, Alexandra Lollis, Samantha Lott and husband Patrick, Joseph Haymes and wife Gracie, Matthew Emmons and wife Laci, Ashton Chandler, Ean Houston, Kimberlyn McCowan, Kassidy McCowan, Kortney McCowan, and ten great-grandchildren.

A public graveside service will take place on Friday, February 28th, at 2:00 p.m. at Center Point Cemetery in Elkland, Missouri, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. 

A celebration of life will follow at Hip Pocket Pizza from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The American Academy for Canine Water Rescue, https://k9lifeguards.org or K9s For Warriors at https://k9sforwarriors.org 

Julie’s legacy of care and dedication will live on in the lives of the people and animals she touched throughout her lifetime.