Marian Julia "Julie" Bonham Mattingly

Marian Julia Bonham Mattingly, 82, of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 17, 2025 in the home of her daughter and son-in-law, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.
Born on February 23, 1943 in Columbus, Ohio, Julie was the daughter of the late Marion Amos Bonham and Margaret Ports Bonham. Julie's life began at the family farm where she developed her can-do attitude, reminding anyone in need of motivation, "Daddy always said, 'Can't never did anything!'". Employing this philosophy from a young age, she'd finish milking the many cows before school and continue her chores until days end. Yet amidst the hard work, she found moments of joy sharing meals of Aunt Sadie's fried chicken and home-made pies, and moments of mischief - with her sisters, the time they snuck a baby lamb into the house, much to Julie's delight and her parents' surprise.
Julie's determination and independence began at an early age and stuck with her all of her life. When the family car wasn't available, she didn't miss a beat - she simply drove the family tractor into town so that she could make it to band practice. Always creative and capable, if she needed something to wear and couldn't afford to buy, she'd simply sew it herself.
Julie graduated from Richwood's North Union High School in 1961. Like her father, Julie had a beautiful voice and was honored to sing a vocal solo at her high school commencement.
Julie retired from Lowes Home Improvement, after twenty years of dedicated service, where she made many fond memories. Outside of work, she found joy in life's quieter moments - knitting baby blankets for loved ones while cheering on Ohio State football or University of Kentucky basketball with her husband, John. Affectionately known around town as the "Cookie Lady", Julie had a special way of making people feel loved. She especially delighted in sending "Cookie Grams" - sweet packages of homemade joy that spoke volumes of her generosity and spirit - to her grandchildren: Jessa (Dan) Monagle, Zoe Ruffner, Isabella Ruffner and her great-granddaughter, Gwendolyn Monagle.
Julie & John were married for nearly 40 years. She is survived by their children: Cat (Rick) Ruffner, Richard Parrott, John Derek (Julie) Mattingly, Jim (Lisa) Mattingly, Jerry (Rhonda) Mattingly, Jeff (Valerie) Mattingly and their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her loving sisters, Ann Bonham, Rose Bonham and her brother-in-law, Sean Toomey.
Julie & John are now together in Heaven, with the Lord. She was also preceded in death by her brother Jim Bonham, her baby sister, Teresa Bonham Toomey, her son, Michael Todd Parrott and her grandson, Tyson Baker.
Graveside services will be held at the Springhill Cemetery Pavilion in Harrodsburg, Kentucky at 10:00am, Saturday, June 14, 2025 with Brother Doug Wesley, Pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church presiding. Burial will follow.
Memorial gifts may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church, 1545 Talmage Mayo Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330. Condolences may be shared with Sims Funeral Home @ www.simsfuneralservices.com.