Dr. Julia Ann Wright, age 88 of Ashland, Ohio, went to be with her Lord on April 13, 2024. Julia was born on June 19, 1935 in Alliance, Ohio to William H. and Mary (Burress) Wright. She graduated from Miami University in 1957, and was a member of Delta Phi Delta, National Art Honorary. She taught art for 12 years in Dayton, Ohio, Stuttgart, Germany, and Chofu, Japan. She earned her M.S. in guidance and counseling at Indiana State University in 1970 and her Ph.D. in school psychology at The Ohio State University in 1976.
Julia was very active as a school psychologist and in her professional associations. She served as treasurer of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and was a candidate for NASP President Elect in 1980. Elected by Ohio’s membership, she served on the NASP Executive Board for two years as the Ohio Delegate. Julia is a past president of the Ohio School Psychologists Association. She also held the office of treasurer and served on the executive board for 18 years. Upon her retirement, she received Honorary Life Membership for her past service and leadership from the School Psychologists of Central Ohio (SPCO). She is a past president of SPCO and served on the executive board for seven years. Julia was a member of the Zonta Club of Columbus, an international service organization, for 18 years. During that time, she served as President for two years and was a member of the executive board for eight years. She is a past recipient of the Dr. Charles B. Huelsman, Jr. Memorial award for her work with the children in Franklin County, Ohio. For her contributions to the field of school psychology, the Ohio School Psychologists Association honored her with the Clyde V. Bartlett distinguished service award. NASP recognized Julia’s dedication and service by presenting her with their Presidential Award. Governor Celeste appointed her to a five-year term on the State of Ohio Board of Psychology. During her tenure on the board, Julia served as Examiner and President.
After moving to Ashland, Ohio, Julia was involved with many local organizations. She was instrumental in raising money for the Ashland Symphony Orchestra. As an active member of the Ashland Symphony Women’s League, Julia served as president and chaired the spring luncheon, style show, and DAZZLE, a holiday bazaar. She was on the Ashland Symphony Orchestra’s Board of Directors for 10 years and served as Vice President. She served on the Women’s Fund Steering Committee of the Ashland County Community Foundation. She was honored with the Dr. Lucille G. Ford Freedom from Selfishness award. Dr. JoAnn Ford Watson said of Julia, “Your passion becomes your legacy when you serve others, be the person God has called you to be, and do what you love. Your contribution to Ashland is immense.” Julia was a member of the Rotary Club of Ashland, serving as president from 2011-2012. During her tenure as president, she initiated the Ashland Bookcase Project to address our nation’s growing illiteracy problem. From this time forward, she was known as “The Bookcase Lady”. This project has created hundreds of bookcases full of books, inspiring the young recipients to love reading at an early age, changing their lives and the lives of their families forever. Julia will be missed by many, but her mission will live on with all of the young readers she has inspired and all of the children she has helped along the way.
Julia is preceded in death by her mother and father and survived by her chosen family: the Stuart family, and the Hobart family.
An interment service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in the Ashland Cemetery with Reverend Dr. JoAnn Ford Watson presiding.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Ashland County Community Foundation in memory of Julia Ann Wright or to The Ashland Bookcase Project.
For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com