Julie

Dant

Julie Dant passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026 at her daughter’s home surrounded by the love of her family.

Julie was born on August 7, 1951, in Lawrenceville, Illinois, to Donald and Edna Lois (Way) Riker. She graduated from Washington High School in 1969 and went on to marry Kenny Dant, her loving partner in all things. Together, they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and adventure until his passing in 2024.

To know Julie was to know someone who truly embraced life. With her larger-than-life personality, infectious humor, and quick wit, she had a special way of making people feel cared about, valued, and inspired. She never met a stranger, and her genuine curiosity about others often turned simple conversations into lasting friendships.

Adventure was always calling Julie's name. With Kenny by her side, she loved hitting the open road, camera in hand, ready to discover new places, meet new people, and capture the beauty of the world around her. Her passion for genealogy opened even more doors, connecting her with people across the globe. She treasured hearing their stories, learning their histories, and discovering the connections that bring people together.

A true artist at heart, Julie saw beauty and possibility everywhere she looked. Photography was her greatest passion, but her creativity knew no bounds. Whether painting, singing, writing poetry, or creating her award-winning photographic art, she poured her imagination and heart into everything she created. Later in life, she opened Dreamcatcher Gallery and Photography Studio. She felt honored and blessed to share in people’s special moments and preserve those memories through her photography.

Above all else, she and Kenny’s favorite adventure was becoming parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. This was where her light shone the brightest. She was “Juju” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren and many honorary grandchildren. She bestowed joy, positivity, fun, and pure unconditional love and support. Juju’s quirky humor and boundless imagination could turn an ordinary day into a grand adventure for any child.

Julie’s memory will be treasured by her children, Tyra (Adam) Kluemper and Travis (Shannon) Dant; her grandchildren, McKenna (Sam) Shahsavar and Mason (Hailie) Kluemper; her great-grandchildren, Calvin and Benji Shahsavar; her siblings, Gloria (Steve) Fields and Bruce (Tina Thompson) Riker; and her extended family and countless friends whose lives were made brighter simply by knowing her.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Edna Lois Riker, and her husband, Kenny Dant.

Julie had a way of turning even the simplest moments into something fun - a silly story, an unexpected adventure, or a reason to celebrate. She saw beauty in everyday life and helped others see it, too. Her family and friends will miss her dearly, but the love, laughter, and memories she shared will live on.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at Ed L. Lee Mortuary, 620 East Viola Avenue, Washington, Indiana, on Saturday November 28, 2026, from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. People are invited to stop in to visit with family as we celebrate her life beginning at 1:00 pm -2:30 pm. At 2:30 pm, we will begin with a toast to show our love for Julie and then have time for anyone who would like to share special memories or sentiments with us.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to:

The American Cancer Society

American Cancer Society/donate