Julia Maye (Reathaford) Skibbe, age 75, of rural South Haven, KS passed away early Monday morning, February 17, 2020 at her daughter's home in Arkansas City, KS.

Julia was born on March 13, 1944 in Wellington, KS, and was the youngest child of Gerald John and Eleanor Aurelia (Brand) Reathaford. The family made their home in Belle Plaine, KS.

She fell in love and married Merlin D. Skibbe on March 16, 1962 in Mulvane, KS. They raised their children in Arkansas City, KS. Julia loved talking on the phone with friends and bowled for many years on numerous women's leagues. She worked at Walmart in the returns department for over 15 years. Upon retirement, the couple moved to rural South Haven. She enjoyed making quilts with her family and weekend sleepovers with all her beloved grandchildren. Her husband Merlin passed away in October 2012.

Julia was again blessed with a wonderful companion Max Goldwater. They loved playing bingo and visiting with family.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Merlin D. Skibbe; daughter, Angela Kaye Brady; son, Jondell Allen Skibbe; son-in-law, Steven D. Sparlin; great grandson, Justin Lee Winter; brother, Gerald (Jr.) Reathaford; sisters, Carolyn Parker-Redmon and Joan Kanash.

Survivors include her loving companion, Max Goldwater of Haysville, KS; son, Gaylord Skibbe of Parsons, KS; daughter, Anita A. Sparlin of Arkansas City, KS; sister, Loretta F. Johnson and husband Roger of Overland Park, KS; six grandchildren, Crystal Marshall and husband Dion of Salina, KS; Candice Winborne and husband Christopher of Winnsboro, LA; Tyson Brady and wife Nikki of Salina, KS; Briley Ripley and husband Kristofer of Arkansas City, KS; Lindsey Sparlin and companion Christopher Hall of Kansas City, MO; and Ivy Sparlin of Topeka, KS; seven great grandchildren, Trenton, Kaleb, Sheyanne, Xander, Dakota, Xoie, and Korbin.

Funeral Services will be held at Frank Funeral Home in Wellington, KS on Friday, February 21, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. Pastor Pete Seidel will officiate. Interment will follow the service at Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Wellington.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home before the service from Noon until service time.

A memorial has been established with the American Diabetes Association. Donation can be left at or mailed to the funeral home.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.