Julie Ann (Aro) Connor of Neosho, MO, formerly of Superior, WI, died peacefully on Sept. 8, 2024, at Freeman Hospital, Joplin, MO, surrounded by her family.

Julie was born on May 23, 1947, to George W. Aro and Emma L. (Mattson) Aro. She attended Superior schools and graduated from Central High School with the Class of '65. She went on to study nursing at the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP). She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Nursing degree in May of 1975. She worked in her field for 35 years as an RN before having to retire due to her diagnosis of post-polio.

Julie always felt much gratitude for the medical staff that helped her survive her polio diagnosis at a young age and in the polio care unit. She was determined to give the best medical nursing skills acquired to all those she encountered, patients and staff, as well as others outside the hospitals she worked at. Julie always cheerfully gave to others less fortunate and those who needed help. She loved the outdoors and her Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents, aunts and uncles, and several cousins.

She is survived by her daughter, Tawn Kristen (Jeff) Smith; granddaughters, Sydney (Jason) Collier, and Alex (Will) Sobolewski; great grandsons, Cohan and Traeson Sobolewski; siblings, Donald (Betty) Aro, Carol (Dennis) Sears, Daniel (Lori) Mattson, Tammy (John) O'Brien, Lori (Skip) VanDamme, and Michael (Tracy) Mattson; and several nieces and nephews.

A private family interment and celebration of life will be held at a later date. If desired, memorials can be made to a humane society of choice as this was also a cause Julie fondly supported.