Julia Russ Asmus Several parks in Bell Gardens, California, are dedicated to groups and individuals who have made significant contributions to our City and its quality of life. You may have played basketball or enjoyed a family barbecue at Julia Asmus Park on Jaboneria Road, but how much do you know about Julia Asmus?

A long-time resident of Bell Gardens, Julia Russ Asmus was a dedicated volunteer who gave her time and talents to several organizations, both public and private, all for the betterment of her community.

Born in Gulnare, Colorado on September 25, 1919, to Yugoslavian immigrants, Julia Russ grew up during the Great Depression. She left Colorado in 1938 with her first husband and son, putting down roots in Bell Gardens, where she spent the rest of her life. After her first marriage was annulled, she went to work for several optometrists and met Roy Asmus (formerly of Manning, Iowa), a patient who swept her off her feet. They married in 1947 and celebrated 67 years of marriage together.

Julia loved children, and the Asmus family grew by two in 1961. She became a licensed day care provider, caring for many youngsters who stayed in touch with her long after they had grown. She was a volunteer with the Montebello Unified School District, serving at various schools from elementary through high school level. Both Julia and Roy were devoted servants at St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church, each of them receiving Papal Awards.

Along with her volunteer work, Julia was interested in the well-being of the business community and she became the manager of the Bell Gardens Chamber of Commerce. She was also a member of Soroptimist International of Bell Gardens, Senior Citizens Young at Heart, the St. Gertrude Altar Society and the Regional Library Council.

Her selfless giving was recognized by several elected officials; she was named Outstanding Older American by the City of Bell Gardens in 1986 and given the Woman of Courage Award from the California Assembly in 2002. In 2003, in honor of her service to the young people of Bell Gardens, the Rio Hondo Boys and Girls Club named her Woman of the Year.

On August 22, 2002, the City of Bell Gardens held the dedication ceremony of Julia Russ Asmus Park, recognizing the numerous years of service she dedicated to the City and all of its residents. According to her family, she was quite proud of this particular honor.

Julia Russ Asmus passed away September 1, 2016, at the age of 97. Her legacy lives on in the laughter of the children who play in "her" park and the volunteers who continue to make Bell Gardens a great place to live.