JESSICA "Jay" JEAN JULIUS, age 38, of Des Moines, IA, formerly of Ellsworth, died Friday, March 18, 2016, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. She was born April 28, 1977, in Adrian, MN to Vernon and Lola (Balster) Berning. At birth Jay was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.  At that time her life expectancy was less than 2 years.  Being a determined fighter she proved everyone wrong and began her journey.
For most of her childhood and youth she lived in the Ellsworth area.  Jay enjoyed hearing her mom read to her and her big brother Eric every night.  Eric often referred to her as "Ruggie", a fitting name for such a feisty, energetic, bubbly little sister.  The two of them could often be seen and heard wrestling around the house.  As a family they also enjoyed playing board games.  She loved to color and won several coloring contests.  She was involved in 4-H, girl scouts and was runner – up in the Little Miss Ellsworth contest.  She was an instigator encouraging her brother and cousins to get into all kinds of precarious situations!  She enjoyed babysitting her nephew, Shane as well as hearing funny stories about her nieces, Natalie & Mallory, who seem to be taking after their Aunt Jesse.
As a young person she spent weeks at a time in hospitals.  Once again her instigator skills kicked in, she would coordinate with her CF friends their visits to the hospital so the group could be together.  There was plenty of giggles, laughing, roaming the halls and getting into mischief.  In her later years, hospital visits were a good time to hone her card playing skills, Hand and Foot was a favorite.  Her aunts and uncles would often come up to play with her and pass the time.
Jay graduated from Luverne High School in 1995; and from Southwest Community College, in Pipestone, in 1998 with an associate's degree in accounting.
On July 10, 1999, Jay married Heybo Julius at the Zion Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth. The couple lived in Ellsworth for 10 years where they started a painting business.  Triple Diamond Properties was formed in 2007 shortly before their move to Des Moines, IA to continue their business.
Jay attended the Lutheran Church of Hope in Des Moines, where she was active in a Bible study group and where she met three wonderful women who became close friends. She was also a member of the Oklahoma Sooners Fan Club. She and Heybo could be found there every Saturday during college football season. Boomer Sooner! Jay enjoyed being creative. A date with her love and best friend would include wine and canvas, checking out a local brewery or winery, watching NASCAR, golfing or throwing darts. She loved to go antiquing in the area with her mom. Summers would find Jay camping with family and friends. Travels took her to Florida for some sunshine and cool ocean breezes, trips to Daytona and cruising to Nassau and the Bahamas. Over the past eight years, Jay and Heybo made several trips to Arizona during.  While in Arizona, Jay would hang with her 'sisters', go to country music concerts, out to dinner, house parties, and exploring Phoenix communities. This year she was excited to celebrate the holiday season being able to be outside to listen to holiday music and watch a Christmas Light Parade.  Jay believed in LIVING her live to the fullest, nothing held her back.
In all of her activities the most important was spending time with her family and friends.  We celebrate her life.  She will be missed and forever in our hearts.
Trust Your Journey………
Jay is survived by her husband, Heybo Julius and "baby girl" Sedona, Des Moines, IA; mom & dad, Lola & Paul Donth, Rock Rapids, IA; father, Vernon Berning, Pilot Mound, IA; four brothers, her big brother & lifelong friend Eric (Janel) Berning, Hardwick; Ethan Berning, Frazier, IA; Dustin Donth, Luverne; and Bradley Donth, Sioux Falls, SD; grandmother, Alvera Balster, Adrian; father and mother-in-law, Harvey & Edye Julius, Ellsworth; six sisters-in-law, goddaughter, Ella Rose; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Lyle Balster; paternal grandparents, Raymond and Alvina Berning; uncle, Dallas Mulder; sister-in-law, Charmayne Julius; her "little girls", Hayle & Saydes and CF friends.
Peace be with you also.

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