SALMANS, JULENE JOY (JJ), 51 , Circle USD employee passed away on June 29, 2023 at her home outside of Benton. Julene (JJ) was born in Seattle, Washington on July 20, 1971, but lived most of her life in Benton, Kansas. JJ was the daughter of the Robert Salmans and the late Juliet (Elmore) Salmans. She is also survived by her two sons, Caesar Salmans and Everett Salmans of Benton, Kansas; Brother, Sid Salmans of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Sister, Ann-Myree (Salmans) Texter of Georgetown, Texas.; and her Nieces and Nephew Adam Salmans, Samantha Salmans and Grace Texter.

Julene graduated from Circle High School, Towanda, Kansas in 1989 and continued her studies at the Kansas City Art Institute, Butler County Community College, and Wichita State University.

She worked at Sears as a visual merchandiser and helped open the Sears at the Mall of America. She also worked at Reagan National Advertising hand painting billboards in Austin, Texas and worked in the cafeteria at the Circle Unified School District, Benton Grade School.

She was a very talented artist, brilliant cook and enjoyed showing, riding, and spending time with her horses. She won many awards for her artwork and horse riding. Most of her artwork was centered around horses and their beauty and strength.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in JJ's name at the following:

American Wild Horse Campaign at https://americanwildhorsecampaign.org/

American Diabetes Association at https://diabetes.org/

Celebration of Life service
2:00PM, Saturday, September 2nd, 2023
Benton Christian Church
309 Kansas St. N.
Benton, Kansas 67017