Julia Ann Riester, 81, Died; Artist, Avid Reader, Former Westporter

On July 31, 2022, Julia Ann Walsh Riester, loving mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 81.

Julia (Julie) was born on Feb. 11, 1941 in La Grange, Ky. to John and Elizabeth Walsh. Growing up in La Grange, Julie was an avid reader, national award winning 4H member and had a love for the arts. She graduated from Louisville's Sacred Heart High School then went on to enjoy her time at St. Mary's College in South Bend, Ind. where she gained recognition for her artistic talents and graduated in 1963.

Julie continued her education and graduated from University of Louisville with a Masters degree in 1964. Using her artistic talents and education degree, she moved to Boston for several years supporting development of textbooks. On May 27, 1967, she married John Thomas Riester II (Jack). Early in their marriage, they briefly lived in Westport, Conn. Then returned to Columbus, Ind. where they raised three sons and a daughter.

Julie was an active member at St. Bartholomew Church where she taught and volunteered at St. Bartholomew School while supporting and volunteering for her children's various community engagements, member of Book, Garden and Social Clubs, enjoyed playing tennis and supporting the community of Wrightsville Beach, NC. Along with her faith, Julie's family was always a focused value in her life.

Julie's passing was preceded by her husband of 47 years, John Thomas Riester II (Jack). Julie is survived by her son, John Thomas III and his wife Laura Sue Wisehart in Union, Ky.; a daughter, Katherine Marie and her husband, Ryan Patrick Carr, and grandchildren, William, John and Andrew in Austin, Texas; a son, James Patrick, and his wife, Jill Collet, in Cincinnati, Ohio; and a son, Mark Edward, and his wife, Sarah Granger, and grandson, John Thomas IV (Jack) and granddaughter, Georgia James in Prosper, Texas.

Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church with Father Clem Davis officiating. Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street and 9 to 9:45 a.m. Friday at the church. In keeping with the family's wishes, cremation will take place following the service.