Julie Hutter

AUBURN - Julie A. Hutter, born on July 26, 1941, in Auburn, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, in Punta Gorda, Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Michael F. Hutter.

She was the daughter of Walter M. and Kathleen R. Smith. Her older brother, John M. Smith, predeceased her, and she is survived by her younger brother, Charles W. Smith (Arlene).

Julie and Mike, like many young mid-century couples, gave up the cold of the Midwest to test their fortunes in Southern California, in 1962. After several years there, during which her husband taught junior-high history and English, and she developed the organizational and administrative skills that would define her career, Mike was selected to become an FBI agent.

His first posting was to Oklahoma City in 1967, which, as the family later noted, was not exactly "following the sun." Fortunately, the detour was brief: after a year, Mike was reassigned to Miami, where Julie became the "true Floridian" who pulled out an electric blanket when the daytime temperature dipped below 70 degrees.

While raising her three children in Miami Shores, Julie managed a large hotel property. In that role, she established one of the first hotel loyalty programs - the "VIP Club" - which became a model for the company. During her years as general manager, many interesting things happened in and around the hotel, some of which may or may not have involved the local FBI office.

When Mike retired in 1987, the Hutters again followed the sun, this time to Southwest Florida, where she became the general manager of one of the first assisted-living facilities in the United States. Though not as lively as managing a Miami hotel, the role suited her perfectly. Known for her exacting standards and professionalism, she earned the respect of residents, employees, and colleagues alike.

After Mike's health declined, Julie retired in 2007. She lived in Ft. Myers Beach after her husband's passing, later moving "north" to Punta Gorda, where she resided upon her death. In retirement, she enjoyed visiting with neighbors, her children and grandchildren, and the occasional local casino.

She is survived by her sons, Jeffery M. Hutter (Christine), of North Port, Florida, and Joseph C. Hutter (Jennifer), of Buckley, Washington; her daughter, Jacqueline M. Hutter (Matthew Payne), of Decatur, Georgia; her grandchildren, Ashleigh Carter (Joseph), Mia and Mitchell Hutter, and Sofiya and Aleksandra Payne; and her great-grandchildren, Joseph and Mac Carter.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a time to be determined in the future, when stories of Julie and Mike's lives will be told and memories shared.