Julie Pettit Price

Julie Pettit Price 1946 - 2010 Our sister Julie Price was born May 25, 1946 at Niagara Falls, NY Memorial Hospital and passed away April 29, 2010 in Prescott Valley, AZ, following a courageous two-year struggle with cancer. She was a former Tucson resident and returned frequently to be with her AZ family, especially her four nieces and nephews and their beautiful children. The only daughter of Elizabeth Tucker and Earle Pettit, Julie was a 1964 graduate of Niagara Falls (NY) High School and received her bachelors in Sociology at the University of Buffalo in 1968. After college, she began a 33-year civilian career with the U.S. military recreation system; her first overseas assignment was at Long Binh, S. Vietnam - during the war. She later managed recreation programs on U.S. Army posts across South Korea, followed by years of service in Hawaii, directing programs for the U.S. Marine Corps at Kaneoue Bay and the U.S. Air Force at Hickam AFB. She also finished several Honolulu marathons and competed in outrigger canoe races with the Lanikai Canoe Club on Oahu. Prior to retiring from federal service, Julie worked in Heidelberg, Germany, where she directed the U.S. Army's fitness programs for Europe. In 2003, she settled in Prescott Valley, AZ and became very active in that community, volunteering with the Yavapai Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, her church and other charitable organizations. She also did backstage work for community center concerts, enjoyed kayaking in northern Arizona with her many friends, and played a pretty good washtub bass in a local band. Julie's rich and rewarding time with us was full of wonderful travels and adventures. Throughout life, she handled her many challenges and victories with great style. A deeply caring person, she gave freely of her talents and kindness, collecting loyal and lasting friends at every turn. She was a truly amazing personality with the greatest sense of humor and love for others and will be greatly missed by her family and everyone in the world whose lives she touched. Julie is survived by brothers Mark Pettit (Diana) of Tucson AZ, Jonathan Pettit (Ann) of Perry, NY, and Robert Witko of Niagara Falls, as well as stepson David Price, Jr. of Mahwah, NJ and stepdaughter Kendra Neal of Georgia. She was predeceased by both parents and younger brother, James Witko. Her ashes will be placed at Niagara Falls Memorial Park at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 5, 2010. A separate memorial will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 12, 2010 at Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Church in Prescott, AZ. Although gone from our sight, Julie lives in our hearts forever.