Julie Elizabeth Wenger

Julie Elizabeth Wenger, stealer of pens, lover of frogs, collector of shoes, duster of knick-knacks, artist, and all-around badass, died on Monday, May 19th, 2025. She was 81 years young-and made sure every one of those years counted.

Born in 1943 to Lela and Bill Brown, Julie entered the world with a spark that never dimmed. She believed in living fully, loving fiercely, and laughing loudly. Her guiding motto-scribbled in her handwriting on a scrap of paper reads:

"The idea is to die young, as late as possible." - Ashley Montagu

Mission accomplished.

Julie loved the ocean and the forest, and she brought that wild beauty into her home through a legendary (some might say excessive) collection of plants. If it grew, she'd aquire it. If it didn't grow, she'd try anyway.

She loved making things for the people she cared about: pillows, quilts, and the occasional lovingly handcrafted, mildly disturbing stuffed animal. Her creativity was boundless and often hilarious. She was a brilliant baker but a proudly mediocre cook-unless you like your hummas made with peanut butter and your taco meat seasonless.

She met weekly with her tight-knit "Coffee Group"-a circle of women bound by friendship, caffeine, and decades of shared stories and laughter. That group wasn't just a social ritual-it was a lifeline of love and support that lasted through all of life's ups and downs.

Julie is survived by her three sons Rich Breshears (Mary Ann), Mike Breshears (Aleesha), Chris Breshears (Lorrie), her daughter Susan Turner Stephens (Maurice), 13 beloved grandkids, and 21 great-grandchildren, all of whom carry her spark, her sass, and her ability to find joy in the little things (especially if they come in a ceramic frog).

Julie never missed a moment to laugh, and never passed up a trip to a nursery. Her home was a jungle of green, her heart full of love, and her life a beautiful, vibrant mess of creativity and connection.

Julie's passing is a reminder to hug your people, volunter for something that touches your soul, water your plants, wear something colorful, and maybe steal a pen in her honor.