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Juliana Leigh Thillen,34, met her Savior face to face on Monday, July 17, 2023. She was born on March 9, 1989, in Libertyville, IL to James Robert Thillen and Ruthie Laree Thillen. Juliana began her journey in life in Trevor, WI. At the age of six she was a cardiac baby and subsequent stroke survivor, but she didn’t let that define her. Her parents’ relentless support, her sisters’ never-failing love and support (almost always), helped Julie improve well beyond all medical expectations. She dreamed of having a barndominum with her best friend, Katy, and opening an animal rescue. After moving to Aubrey, TX, she had her second series of catastrophic strokes, leaving her unable to speak and a quadriplegic at the age of 10. Again, she defied all the odds. She learned to communicate with her eyes and had patience with the rest of us beyond all reasonable expectations. She had many special supporters like Cynthia Scruggs, RN, Georgia Ferguson, LVN, Cindy Ates Speech, and Bonnie Watkins, OT and so many more. She continued to ride horses in Hippotherapy, she designed and made quilts with Hope Edwards, OT. Worked on being able to verbalize via Eye Gaze computer with Milford and so much more. She was a BIG Aubrey FFA participant and supporter. She had her animal menagerie at home, service dogs, Angel and Willie, tortoises, Raphael and Franklin, and cockatiel, Elvis. She had a large extended family who were there always to love, support and make sure Julie was a part of any activities including 4-wheeling and swimming. She received Angel as the first Make A Wish Service Dog opening the door for countless others with special needs to ask and receive, She was the recipient of the DFW Night of the Superstars for living an inspirational life in 2012. Juliana’s legacy is her ability to be a real friend, love of animals, apparently to listen and keep secrets, her infectious smile and laughter, and her inspirational life quote in her home “If Julie can’t complain then NO ONE else can”! She is survived by her parents James Thillen (Susan) Grandview, TX and mother Ruthie Thillen of Krugerville, TX; two sisters Michelle Robinson of Aubrey, TX and Christine Thillen of Aubrey, TX; nieces Libby Stallings; Bristol Neace; Abigail Robinson; nephews James Robinson and Troy Lowe; grandfather, Edward Lee Strawbridge, Sr.(92.5 yo), Belden, MS; aunts, Teresa Wilbanks (Farin), Belden, MS, Misty (Mike) Witt, Sturgeon, WI, Dorthy (Frank) Collings, The Villages, FL, Raynee (John) Keil, Cape Coral, FL; uncle, Eddie Strawbridge, II, Belden, MS; cousins, Amanda Little (Travis), Jason Powers (Tracey), Eddie Strawbridge, III (Danielle), Kara and Lauren Powers, and Holden, Tripp and Josie Bell Little. She was preceded in death by her grandmothers Lona Bell Strawbridge and JoAnn Hamm; grandfather, James Thillen; and aunt, Sheila Strawbridge. Donations in Lieu of Flowers: Aubrey FFA, Attn Ms. Gilbreath, 510 Springhill Road, Aubrey Tx 76227. A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023, from 10:00AM to 12:00PM at Slay Memorial Chapel in Aubrey, TX. Service to follow at 1:00PM at Krugerville First Baptist Church, 5021 US Highway 377 S, Aubrey, TX. On-line condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Bradley R. Shotts and Slay Memorial Funeral Center.

Tributes

Juliana Leigh Thillen

March 9, 1989 - July 17, 2023