Julie LaRee McMinn Borron passed away unexpectedly on June 23, 2025 in Egin Bench, Idaho where she was raised with her sisters Regina (Reg), Jerri Dawn (Tiger) & Geneva (Bear), later welcoming little brother Roger (Boo) Simpson. She was born in Rexburg thirteen months after Reg to Jerry and EllaDawn McMinn (later divorced), spending her early years between Egin and Sand Creek, where the family farmed. The girls loved being outdoors, running barefoot like wild children, exhilarating in the freedom of open spaces.

Julie left home and went out into the world at 16, working and paying her way. She had four children, Brandi, Chantel, Jaylea and Uriah with her husband of many years, Bill Borron. They later divorced but remained amicable. Geneva and Boo were like her extra children when they were young due to the age difference between them and Julie (being 16 & 23 years younger, respectively). She had eight grandchildren at the time of her death who were the light of her life. Julie lived for her children and grandchildren, doing her utmost to help each one, always concerned for their welfare. She loved her outings and adventures with the grandchildren, including swinging, picnics, sledding, going to the sand hills, hot dog roasts and bonfires, working in the yard and family gatherings.

Julie always had a generous spirit. When she was ten, she came home from her friend's house and informed her mom that the family didn't have much food and asked if they could help them. She and EllaDawn gathered up what they could and made a few deliveries over the weeks. Julie's heart went out to the vulnerable, epitomized by her beloved orange cat, Pumpkin. He was the runt of the litter and born with a hernia. Of course, he was the one she chose, knowing he would need surgery that she could ill afford. He was her faithful companion and comfort for many years.

Julie spent most of her working life at gas stations. She loved the interaction with her customers who were greeted with her big beautiful smile and kind heart. She was a diligent and conscientious worker, going above and beyond even when she was doing so poorly she ended up in the hospital. One winter, Julie took pity on a homeless woman who frequented the gas station, allowing the woman to sleep in her car during work shifts. The holiday season was in full swing and when the weather became increasingly frigid, she invited the woman to stay in her home where Julie made sure to fill an extra Christmas stocking.

Julie adored her dear Scotty's baby cows and made sure over the years to document and share MANY photos of them with her family. She knew each one and would watch them play for hours. She found peace in the outdoors and joy in the simple things.

To attempt to encapsulate in a few words the joys and sorrows of her life, her incredible magnanimity and the bravery with which she faced so many hardships is impossible. Julie's sisters would joke about the old HeeHaw song, "If It Weren't for Bad Luck, I'd Have No Luck at All" being her theme song. The amount of adversity and sadness she faced in her life was staggering, and yet she was remarkable in her tenacity, her courage and resourcefulness, her tremendous capacity to love and forgive. Julie never wanted to be a bother, often going without in order to help someone else.

Julie didn't have fortune or fame but she was wealthy. She recognized the true riches in this life-soaking up the beauty in nature, precious moments with loved ones, the satisfaction of hard work, kindness, selflessness, compassion and love. She was always the brave one, the intrepid & determined soul that took what little life gave her & found creative ways to make things work with her limited resources.

Through it all, her trademark signature was, "I love you. Always Smile."

Julie was preceded in death by her father, Jerry McMinn and her aunt, Merla McMinn. She is survived by her children Brandi, Chantel, Jaylea and Uriah; eight grandchildren; her mother, EllaDawn Hoopes of Idaho Falls; three sisters, Regina (Daren) Hull of Rigby, Jerri McMinn of Idaho Falls, Geneva (Tony) Webster of Idaho Falls and brother Roger Simpson of Idaho Falls.

There will be a viewing at Wood Funeral Home in Idaho Falls (273 N Ridge) July 10, from 3-5pm. Condolences may be sent to woodfuneralhome.com.