Julia A. (Crom) McDougal

Hastings resident Julia A. (Crom) McDougal, 98, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the Heritage at College View, surrounded by family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, October 10, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Hastings, NE with Rev. Greg Allen-Pickett officiating. A private family committal will be held at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings. The service will be live-streamed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fpchastings beginning five minutes before the service AND/OR at www.lbvfh.com. Visitation will be on Monday, October 9, at Livingston-Butler-Volland Funeral Home from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., with family present from 4-6 p.m. Memorials (in lieu of flowers) can be sent to the First Presbyterian Church, Hastings College c/o The McDougal Family Scholarship, or the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education.

Julia Alice Crom McDougal was born July 5, 1925, in Nemaha County, KS to Mary (Beamer) and Jay L. Crom. Julia began her education in Kansas and, after moving to Pawnee County in Nebraska in 1934, graduated from Pawnee City High School in 1942.  She went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska in 1946, majoring in Home Economics. She taught school in Tecumseh, Lincoln, and Harrison. She also worked as a member of the University of Nebraska Extension Service staff where she met her future husband, O.J. “Jim” McDougal.

Julia and Jim were married in 1952 and moved to Banes, Cuba where Jim served as a research agronomist for the United Fruit and Sugar Company. They returned to Lincoln, NE in 1955, and moved to Hastings in 1957 where she supported Jim in his work at City National Bank and Trust (now Heritage Bank) until his retirement as Chairman of the Board in 1994. Following Jim’s death in 2008, she continued to make her home in Hastings. She moved to The Heritage at College View in 2015 where she, along with her family, enjoyed and appreciated the great care and support from the wonderful staff.

Julia was a longtime dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church. Through the years, she served as a Deacon, an Elder, a Sunday School teacher, a youth group sponsor, a member of the choir and Presbyterian Women’s Association, as well as other committees of the Church.

Her belief in the importance of educational opportunities for women led her to become a devoted member of P.E.O. (Chapter DA), and the YWCA. She was a sixty-year member of P.E.O. and served seven years as a state officer, finishing as state president in 1984. In addition, she was the P.E.O. State Historian for several years. As an active member of the YWCA, she served on its board and many committees. She was a recipient of the Gretchen Hollman Lainson Distinguished Service Award.

An avid reader and lifelong learner, Julia was a member of the Outlook Book Club, “Finches of the Grove” and Fish Fry (all small book/study clubs), and was especially interested in history. She was a friend and supporter of Hastings College, the Hastings Symphony Orchestra, and other community organizations for which she volunteered when needed.

Growing up in a musical family fostered her love of music, especially singing. Throughout the years, she also enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, playing bridge, dancing with Jim, spending time with family and friends, and reading to her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of almost 63 years, Owen James McDougal, Jr.; her son, Owen James McDougal III; her five brothers, Robert, Wayne, Richard, Howard, and Rex Crom; and one sister, Virginia Metzger.

She is survived by her three daughters, Ann (Dr. Robin) Koozer of Hastings, NE, Susan (Stan) May of Greeley, CO, and Sarah McDougal of Des Moines, IA; former daughter-in-law, Joni McCoy; and grandchildren, Dr. Maggie Koozer (Mac Rundle) of Brooklyn, NY, Dr. C.J. Koozer (Dr. Dan Cole) of Yakima, WA, and Christopher May of Greeley, CO; two step-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and wonderful lifelong friends.