Julie Hamaker

Julie Ann Hamaker, 55, of Pierre, South Dakota, passed peacefully at home August 17, 2025.

Julie was born on July 15, 1970, in Ekalaka, MT to Carolyn Maxine (Lewis) and James Elmer Hamaker. She grew up on a farm in Hudson, SD and attended school in Alcester, SD. After her father's passing in 1981, the family moved to Sioux Falls, SD. Julie met David Bordeaux, and in 1988, their daughter Haylea was born. After moving to Colorado, Julie completed her GED and continued her education in accounting. Julie and Haylea moved to Eagle Butte, SD in 1993, and to Pierre, SD in 1997. Julie met Darin Gravatt, and in 2001, their son Weston was born, completing Julie and Darin's family, with children Haylea, Amber, John and Weston. Julie enjoyed riding motorcycles, drinking coffee, listening to music, fishing, camping, playing games, thrift shopping, cheering on the Broncos, cooking with love, talking to new people, and most of all, spending time with her grandbabies, traveling often to see them. She had a kind soul, always had time to listen, cheer you up or cheer you on. She also had an uncanny ability to see something useful in item that others have set aside, often repurposing her thrift finds. She loved her family fiercely.

She is survived by her partner, Darin Gravatt of Pierre, SD; her children, Haylea Bordeaux (Cody Rolf) of Justin, TX, Amber Aguilar (Lalo Juarez), John Gravatt, and Weston Gravatt of Pierre, SD; her eleven grandchildren Cailyn and Hudson of Justin, TX, Alycia, Aaden, BuBu, Alexa, Juan, Yesenia, Baby Lalo, Christian and Madilynn of Pierre, SD; her sisters, Wendy (Jeff) Davis of Gretna, VA, and Sarah (Ivan) Doliani of Prince George Co, VA; her brother Howard Hamaker of Port Angeles, WA; and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. Julie was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Carole Yearwood.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Pierre at a later date.

Family would like to extend special thank you to the Avera staff in Pierre and Sioux Falls that helped care for Julie, including St Mary's, McKennan, Helmsley Center and Hospice.