Julieanna Mae Raley Galban, 69, of Cuero passed away Wednesday, October 20, 2021. She was born November 15, 1951 to the late EJ and Mary Raley. She grew up in Cuero and graduated in 1970 from Victoria High School. While in high school, Julie was a member of the VHS drill team, Victoriadoress, which she was always proud of. Julie moved to Austin in the mid 1970's and made Austin her home for the next 40 years. She loved this time in Austin, especially country and western dancing at the Skyline Club. Julie entered the world of finance and banking, working longest for LCRA Credit Union as Vice President. Julie then decided to work from home as one of the first licensed in-home day-care owners in the Austin area. She opened her heart and home to children and found her true calling. After many years, Julie switched roles and became an Early Childhood Education specialist; training and helping other day care owners provide quality childcare in their facilities. She was a mentor to many Childcare Providers in the Central Texas Area for many years. Helping them run their businesses and improve on early childhood education. She loved this role and it meant so much to her. She left her legacy in the early childhood world serving as an advocate for early childhood education. She believed that every child deserved to have a quality education. She was the best mentor and teacher that anyone could have. Julie retired from Rural Capital CCMS in 2019 after many years of service. She enjoyed crafting, wreath making, jewelry making, bow making, scrapbooking, and painting. One of her favorite things to say was, "I could make that!" Julie loved music, especially The Beatles and James Taylor, and would dance to anything and everything...anywhere. She was a wonderful mother to her children Christopher and Ginger. She was a hands-on mom and was actively involved with all her children's activities, especially 4-H and band. Whatever her kids were into, Julie was into. While she may not have known a thing about 4-H or Band she became the best 4-H & Band mom there was. She served as a 4-H Club leader and volunteer for the entire time her kids were in 4-H. She did not know anything about raising lambs but she saw the leadership opportunity that 4-H could give her kids and helped them excel in that. She spent many hours listening to speeches, attending meetings, trying new recipes, and working on many a record book at the last minute!

She also loved being band president of the Connolly H.S. Band Boosters. She would sew uniforms, raise money, supervise concession stands and go to competitions. The countless hours she spent driving her kids to and from activities were some of her happiest. She always found a way to not take moments with her children for granted and some of her best "talks" were in her van. Her true passion came later in life, being Grammie to her grandchildren. Her granddaughters quickly became her favorite subject, and she enjoyed all the time she spent with them, especially Camp Grammie every summer. In 2019 Julie was able to retire to her beloved hometown in Cuero. She enjoyed the last years of her life there and was so happy to be home again.

Julie is survived by her children; son, Christopher and wife, Carolee and granddaughters, Caroline Nancy and Catherine Julee Galban, of San Angelo; daughter, Ginger Galban and wife, Rachel, and step-grandchildren, Isaac, Bella, and Elijah, of Cleburne; brothers, James Raley and wife, Doris Ann of Victoria, Phil Raley of Mansfield, and EJ Raley Jr. and wife, Pam, of Victoria; Brother-in-law, Victor and wife Mary Galban of Austin; numerous nieces and nephews; lifelong friends, Cheryl Forester, Pam & Leonard Knebel, and Marjorie Rose, all of Cuero. Our families would like to thank beloved friends Carolyn Turnage and Terri Schilling for all their time, care and especially friendship during her illness.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Frances Raley; and sister-in-law, Sandra Raley.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 24, 2021 from 4 to 6 pm at Freund Funeral Home in Cuero. A funeral service will be Monday, October 25, 2021, 10 am, at Freund Funeral Home with Pastor Joyce Herzog of Decker United Methodist Church, Austin officiating. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Cuero. A time of food and fellowship will follow interment at Millie's on Main, 115 E Main St, Cuero.

Pallbearers include Jeff Forester, Kenneth Knebel, Johnathan Knebel, Brandon Knebel, Ric Raley, Brandon Galban, Derek Galban, and Elijah Mendoza.

Memorial contributions may be made to Travis County 4-H Scholarship, In Care of Violet A Alexander, 7411 Albert Road, Austin, TX 78745-6105

You may sign the guest book or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.

Freund Funeral Home, 361-275-2343.