ulia Ann Cass, 69, of Birmingham, IA passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Prestige Care Center in Fairfield, IA. Honoring her wishes, cremation has taken place. A private burial will be held in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Birmingham, IA. A visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua, IA with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Julia’s honor may be directed to the “Friends of Birmingham” in support of the community she cared so deeply for. They may be left at the funeral home or mailed to P.O. Box 12, Birmingham, IA 52535. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Julia Cass was born on October 16, 1955, in Fairfield, Iowa, to Rex and Onalee Swartout Hootman. She excelled academically, graduating as Salutatorian from Van Buren County High School. Following her graduation, she attended Indian Hills, where she earned an associate degree in computer programming.
During her early years in Birmingham, Julia met the love of her life, Danny Cass, and they married on April 28, 1976, in Jefferson City, Missouri. Together, they raised two children, Nathan and Sara. Julia briefly worked at Louden’s in Fairfield before dedicating herself to being a stay-at-home mom. When her children grew older, she resumed work as a secretary for the Fairfield Ledger and eventually retired from the Van Buren County Register.
Julia cherished horses from a young age, with a particular fondness for the Tennessee Walking Horse, and owned several throughout her life. Her passion for animals extended beyond horses; she was a devoted animal lover. However, her love for animals was surpassed by her love for her family. She cared deeply for her children, grandchildren, and even her granddogs. Julia will be profoundly missed by her family and the many friends she made throughout her life.
Julia was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Rex Hootman Jr.
Left to honor her memory is her husband of nearly 49 years, Dan Cass of Birmingham; two children, Nathan (Amber) Cass of Fairfield, IA and Sara (Cody) Jones of Birmingham, IA; two grandchildren, Ethan and Emma Cass, as well as many extended family and friends.
