Julia LaVelle (Harris) Milleson passed peacefully at home on Oct. 21, 2021.

She was born in Burns on Dec. 14, 1929 to James O. and Ethel (Oard) Harris. She attended rural schools and then Burns High School; followed by two years at Eastern Oregon College. She returned to Burns, and in December, 1950, married Virgil Milleson of Pineville, Mo., who was working at Edward Hines Lumber Co.

They raised two sons, and Julia actively participated in all school and sports functions. She was an avid bowler, and was involved in CB radio and ham radio groups

She was an active member of the Pioneer Presbyterian Church, where she was a choir member, in the praise group, and served as a church deacon.

After Virgil passed, she taught herself the guitar and eventually the fiddle, as she began playing with the High Desert Fiddlers group. She subsequently joined the Oregon Old-Time Fiddlers Association. She never passed up an opportunity to play music, including travel to places like Weiser, Idaho for the National Fiddle contest and many regional shows and jam sessions.

In 2010, after surviving colon cancer, she moved to Milton-Freewater to be closer to medical and family. She was an active member of Grace Presbyterian Church of Milton-Freewater, and also often attended the Stateline Community Church. She joined the Blue Mountain Fiddlers Group and attended as many shows, performances at care homes, and jam sessions as she was able to travel to for years. She belonged to the Milton-Freewater Senior Center, and volunteered there with the meals program.

An actively pursued goal of Julia’s for many years was to visit all 50 states, and as many of their capital cities as possible. Many trips with family and friends from home had made this nearly complete by 2001 when Alaska was added to the list, leaving only one more; and then in 2018 she had the opportunity to travel to Hawaii with a Milton-Freewater Ukelele group. She subsequently joined that music group as well.

She is survived by her sons, John L. “Captain” and his wife Pam, and James Virgil and his wife Terry. She had three grandchildren: Jennifer Milleson, John Robert Milleson and Heather Milleson. Also surviving are two sisters, Kathryn Hill of Phoenix, Ariz. and Lynn Mims of Burns; sister-in -law, Myra Milleson of Pineville, Mo; step-brother, Wayne Wickizer of Ogden, Utah; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson; three nieces; and one nephew.

A Celebration of Life is being held in MIlton-Freewater, Ore., on Saturday, Oct. 30, at 2:00 p.m. at the Grace Prebyterian Church, 703 S. Main, Milton-Freewater, Ore. 

A Memorial service is being planned for June, in Burns. The family asks that donations be made to the Harney County Senior Center in lieu of flowers.