Julie Ann Thomas

Julie Ann (Cummings) Thomas, 65, of West Des Moines died Monday, November 21, 2022.  Julie was born on June 7, 1957, in Ames, IA to Thomas and Betty (Craig) Cummings.  She grew up in Ames and graduated from Ames High School in 1975. She went on to Iowa State University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in English, the University of Iowa where she received her Master’s Degree in Library Science, and Drake University where she earned her Law Degree. She also passed the Iowa Bar Exam.

Julie worked for libraries at Kansas State University, Clemson University, and eventually Drake University where she worked as the Technical Services Librarian for almost 30 years. After receiving her law degree, she helped library users with their legal research. She was a longtime member of the Mid-America Association of Law Libraries.

She enjoyed animals, reading, genealogy, watching TV, going to movies and listening to music, especially the Beatles.  She also enjoyed volunteering at the ARL. A lifelong learner, Julie decided to learn Norwegian online in recent years since she had Norwegian ancestors.  She had a great sense of humor and was known at work for her superior writing and editing skills.

She is survived by her father, Tom; sister, Lynn (Jerry) Chapman; brother, Craig Cummings; nephews, Aaron (Brooke Austin) Chapman and Brian (Heidi Docktor) Chapman; one aunt; many cousins; and her beloved dog, Cinnamon.

Julie was preceded in death by her mother, Betty; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and her cats Purry and Smudge.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Ames Municipal Cemetery after the funeral service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the local ARL.