Julia Mable Hope Kogele Gatlin was born June 23, 1948, in Miles City, MT., to Robert Hope and Irene Yeager and a sister Gloria. She passed March 14th with Kenny and Gloria at her side. Her mom later married Wilbert Kogele in 1952. Julie became Will’s bug and remained that until his death.
Through her grade school years, there were many different schools ending up in Broadus in her 4th grade year, graduating in 1966. Aledine Mitchell became her close friend through her school years in Broadus. Julie won the Voice of Democracy competition and went on to state. She was also a majorette during high school. She attended MCC and received a provisional certificate to teach. She taught at a country school for a time.
She met and married Bob Hilliard to which two children were born, Mindi and Doug. Julie and the kids made their home in Broadus. Mindi and Doug remember the fishing trips with Grandpa and Grandma Kogele.
During her life with Don Gatlin, he was instrumental in her passion for bowling and golfing. Doug remembers the fun times of golfing. She had many friends and traveled all over for tournaments winning a few. They would get to laughing at something and end up rolling on the ground. She was an avid bowler winning some tournaments
In 1994, Julie moved to Otter Creek with Kenny Gress. They lived there 26 years enjoying fishing, camping, and hanging out with friends. Kenny and Julie enjoyed many fishing trips to Tongue River Reservoir. While there, she went to work at St. Labre in the mail room then later transferred to the donor recipient room. Julie’s hobbies were collecting Elvis memorabilia, dolls, salt and pepper shakers, and music boxes. She also found recipes and sent them to relatives for them to enjoy. She wanted to be remembered as “That Good Old Girl”.
Julie is survived by her loving Kenny Gress, Ashland, daughter, Mindi McEneny (Wes) Billings, children, Tyrel (Draven and Lillian) Billings, Taylor Swogger (Miranda), Miles City, and Mckenzee Perry, Billings; son, Doug Hilliard, Moorcroft, (Michelle, Miles City), children, Ricky (Kayla) (Cadin, Collin, Ryker) Ives , Moorcroft, Miranda Ives , Broadhead , WI, Kyle Hilliard (Sarah) Jacksonvillle, FL, Robert Hilliard, Darby, MT, and Natasha Hilliard, Moorcroft. Sister, Gloria (Russ) Compton, Broadus, and brother-in-law Lee Gress , Thompson Falls, MT.
Her parents, Wilbert and Irene Kogele, and her in-laws, Pete and Florence Gress preceded her in death.
In lieu of flowers, she would like donations to St. Jude’s hospital.
Private family services will be held in Broadus. Interment will follow at the Willow Crossing Cemetery in Ashland. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Janet rice says
Kenny, Gloria, Mindi and families. So, so sorry to hear of Julie’s passing. She was a wonderful lady. If there is anything I can do to help let me know.
Mimi Nickel says
Kenny & family So very sorry to hear of Julie’s passing. Working with her for many years was such a blessing. Sending prayers for comfort & peace.
Dawn Marie Kellmer-Anderson says
I’m sorry to heat of Julie’s passing. She was an awesome person. She was the mother to 2 of my good friends Mindi and Doug. I pray for healing and love for Julie’s family. May you rest with the Angel’s Julie. I’ll miss you..
Dawn Marie Kellmer-Anderson says
I’m sorry to hear of Julie’s passing. She was an awesome person. She was the mother to 2 of my good friends Mindi and Doug. I pray for healing and love for Julie’s family. May you rest with the Angel’s Julie. I’ll miss you..
tammy schoenbeck says
oh so sorry to hear about Julie was a fun gal, you are in my thoughts & prayers
Patricia Houseman says
Kenny and family. So sorry for your loss of Julie. She was a wonderful person
Rayetta Fjell says
Kenny; so sorry to hear of Julie’s passing. Prayers of comfort are with you at this time.
Gerald & Janet Himelspach says
To all of Julie’s family our sincere condolences. Julie was always smiling and glad to have had her as a friend. May your memories sustain you at this difficult time.
Ella Mae and Allen Drane says
So sorry to hear of Julie ,she was so much fun and a very kind lady,my sincere sympathy to all of you.
Fran & Stan Oswald says
Sincere sympathy to Kenny & Julie’s family for the loss of Julie.
Cheryl Klemp says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Julie. I went to high school.She was in some of my classes.My prayers are with your family.
Bill & Denice Hedges says
Kenny, so sorry to hear of Julie’s passing. Take comfort in knowing she is no longer in pain. Prayers for you and the family….that you all may find comfort and peace as you walk through the difficult days ahead. Extra prayers that you are protected from the covid-19 as you go through this. Bill & Denice Hedges
Andrita Harris says
My Deepest condolences to Gatlin Family. Sorry for your loss. RIP
Cali (Hilliard) Baker says
Mindi, Doug, Kenny and families,
I was so sorry to see Julie passed. She was a very good person, and I know the hole her loss brings to you all is going to be huge. May the well wishes of love and warm memories of her being shared with you all at this time bring you peace.
Sylvia Zimmer says
So sorry for your loss.. oh the memories of some of those golfing trips… rip Julie.
Darlene McGill says
Sad to hear of Julia passing. I work with her and she was a kind and loving person. She will be missed 🙏🏻
Kaylene says
So sorry for you loss prayers and hugs to all.
Carey Ziler and family says
Kenny so sorry for your loss. Julie was a fun loving woman that I sat next to at Senior dinner every day. Words cannot Express the sorrow of her passing. I wish you and her family peace and prayers during this time.
Joanne Losinski Richardson says
So sorry to hear about Julie. She was my classmate throughout elementary and high school. Later we were roommates for a while in college. Lots of fun times together. She will be missed by many who loved her.
Deb Lei Cady says
Our prayers and hugs Kenny, Julie was so sweet. Prayers for family🙏💔
Joey Eastman says
So sorry for your loss.
Cindy Stanton says
Dear Kenny,
So sorry to hear of your dear Julie’s passing. May the good Lord bless you and keep you and comfort you during this most difficult time. Keeping you in my thoughts.
Ann Losinski Wetherelt says
Julie was my teacher during the last part of my eighth grade year at Purewater school in Garfield County. I think we were all learning together but it was fun and I have great memories of that time. She always made a point of stopping to visit with me whenever we met in the many years afterward. Had such a sincere personality and a smile to match. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones
Mary Jane Robinson says
Our condolences to Kenny and all Julie’s friends and family. Prayers for your comfort, I will remember her as that Good Old Girl.
Della Ahearn says
My prayers to the family,she had a heart of gold,she will be truly miss
Twilla Speelman says
So Sorry to hear of your Loss, my Prayers are with you and your family
Skin and Betty Collins says
Kenny, Mindi, Gloria and all of Julie’s family. So sorry to here of Julie’s passing. May you all be comforted by the great memories you have made with her. She is no longer in pain now. She was always fun loving. I will always remember her beautiful smile.
June E Persons says
Dear Kenny, family, and friends of Julie’s, we are so sorry for your loss. We will remember her fondly. June and Danny
Kay McGregor says
Kenny, so many great memories! You and Julie were always there for us. We wish with all of our heart we could be there with you. Sending our love and prayers, Bill and Kay
Dottie Johnstone says
Kenny and family am sorry to here this. Prayers for all.
Roger and Amanda Dillard says
Kenny, sorry for your loss, I will always remember the good times we had. Sending prays for the family.
Shannon lucas says
Julie was a breath of air her and mom had great times I have albums full of photos of them! My heart hurts for you but you know she’s up therewith the gang bowling laughing and smiling down on all of you!
All my love, Shannon
Don bidwell says
Rip dear friend. May your family be comforted by great memories and friendships during your journey with us
GEORGIA ANN BURNS says
My condolences to Kenny
and family. Prayers🙏🏽✝️🙏🏽