Julia was born to Harold H. and Catherine W. McKinney in Pago Pago, American Samoa. When the Navy sent Harold back to the States in 1929, he was unable to send for Catherine and Julia due to the stock market crash and the depression. Before he died in February 1949, he asked his brothers that if they ever have a chance to help his daughter, to do so. Two weeks after he died, the brothers received a letter from Julia that she wanted to see him. Later that year, Julia arrived in Salem, Oregon where Harold MicKinney's brother and his wife, Lewis and and Julia McKinney took her to see her first snow, helped her enroll in business school and taught her how to make the best pies.
When Julia and her girlfriends went out on the weekends, they always asked for a specific taxi driver, William G. Lang (Bill). Two months after they met, Julia and Bill were married on July 16, 1951. Julia and Bill sent for Henrietta, Matt and Catherine to live with them in Salem. Catherine preceded Julia in death. Bill preceded Julia in death after 48 years of marriage.
Julia worked for the State of Oregon (PUC and Employment Division) for 36 years, retiring in 1986. She
loved most being together with family and friends. She made sure there was always music, laughter and dancing. She also loved bingo.
Julia is survived by her sister Henrietta Wieber, children Matt (Debbie) Lang, Gus Garcia, Harold Lang, Marie
Russell, Mike (Nancy) Lang, 15 grandchildren, 21 greatgrandchildren, four nieces and their children and many friends who we never realized until adulthood that they were not actually related.
Julia's ashes will be interned at Willamette NationalCemetery with her best friend, Bill.
Services will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 1010 Columbia St NE, Salem Oregon on Thursday December 14th. A Rosary begins at 10:30am and a Mass at 11:00am. A Luncheon will follow. Island attire such as Hawaiian shirts are welcome.