Ruth Julian Obituary

Ruth Gray Julian of Dallas passed away Monday, January 8, 2024 at the age of 100 surrounded by her children at her residence in Dallas.

Ruth was born April 23, 1923 in Woods Hole, Massachusetts to her mother, Maude Thornber Gray, a homemaker, and her father, Lt. Commander John Millen Gray, an officer in the U. S. Coast Guard. She attended grade schools in Forrest Hills, NY and Hasbrook Heights, N.J. and high schools in New Jersey, Marquette, MI and St. Louis, MO where she graduated from Maplewood High School. She then attended Washington University, graduating in 1944 as a registered nurse from what is now known as Barnes Jewish Hospital.

Later, while working as a nurse at The New Jersey Medical Center in Jersey City, NJ she met NJMC medical intern, Peter J. Julian, MD and they married in 1949. They moved to Buffalo, NY, his home town, where she gave birth to a daughter, Linda, and a son, Peter.

In 1960, they moved to Dallas where he began a new practice in obstetrics, gynecology and gynecological surgery with Ruth serving as nurse and office manager. In 1968, as Peter's practice flourished, she pursued a new career in interior design, studying at the New York School of Interior Design in Manhattan and the Parsons School of Design in Paris, France. She became a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers where she served on the boards of the DFW Association and the Texas Chapter and continued a successful career in medical and residential interior design for over 25 years. Her style was an eclectic blend of traditional French, Oriental and Contemporary design. In the late 1960s, she was at the forefront of a new trend in beauty, comfort and luxury in physicians' offices, beginning with the design of her husband's office. In the Dallas social scene, Ruth and Peter were known for their passion for dancing and Peter's expertise as a gourmet chef and oenophile. They hosted many dinners and parties featuring Peter's cuisine and fine wines and Ruth's beautiful décor and table settings.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Linda Richie and husband, Chip Richie of Dallas; her son, Peter Julian of Coupland, TX; and her granddaughter, Allison Richie of Dallas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter J. Julian, MD and her twin sister, Olive Coe of Dallas. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Cyndy Emmert, Barbara Schiller, James Julian and Virginia Sicignano.

Her family thanks her caregivers at Ventana and especially Tigi Zerga, Bebe Kefale, Jonke Daba and Maria Menjivar who attended her in her last days.

A visitation for Ruth will begin at 12pm with the funeral service to follow at 2pm on Saturday, January 20, both at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225.