Julie Ann Howard passed peacefully the evening of December 25, 2021 in Circle, Montana at the age of seventy-seven.
Julie was born to Ed and Blanche Elverud of Circle, Montana on November 11, 1944. Julie attended school in Circle, graduating as Valedictorian of her High School class in 1962. While in school Julie developed a love of music, learning to play the piano and the baritone saxophone and it was that “bari-sax” that led her to Westmar College in Iowa on a music scholarship. While in college, she met her first husband, Vern Dockter and together their journeys led Julie to Illinois, where as a licensed teacher, she taught Spanish from 1966 through 1969. After a move to Denver, she earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science and earned the title of “Mom” on April 12, 1971, welcoming her twins, Angela and Jeff Dockter into the world. Julie returned to Circle in 1974 after a divorce.
In 1976, she married Robert “Bob” Thorgaard of Circle. Julie became a step-mother to Bob’s three children and together, they welcomed eight grandchildren into the family during their fifteen-year marriage that ended with Bob’s passing from cancer in 1991. Julie is survived by two step-children and the numerous Thorgaard grandchildren (and their families), many who proudly called her “Grandma.”
A long-time friendship culminated in a marriage to John Albert “Bub” Howard on July 4, 1993. Soon after, Julie and Bub welcomed two grandchildren into the family while Bub farmed and Julie worked for the “CIA” or Circle Insurance Agency, where she sold insurance until her retirement. In retirement, Julie devoted her time to playing the piano on Sundays at the Evangelical Church in Circle, serving on the Board of the Circle Chamber of Commerce, and starting many numerous quilting projects that produced many beautiful quilts!
Julie is survived by her beloved “Hubby Bubby”, her husband, Bub Howard, her brother Ed (Ginger) Elverud, and two children Angela (David) Harris, and Jeff (Jenny) Dockter. Julie’s grandchildren include Angela’s children, Megan (Vic) Sundin and Matthew Harris and Jeff’s son Aaron (Jessica) Montoya and step-son Jaren (Danielle) Allen and their children.
All are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life, which will take place at the Evangelical Church in Circle on January 9, 2022 from 1 pm to 3 pm to allow folks to visit with Bub Howard and remember Julie. In lieu of flowers or other considerations, the family asks that friends keep Bub in their prayers and that they give him a call every couple of days or say “Hi” if you see him on one of his frequent walks.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday January 9, 2022
Circle Evangelical Church
Circle, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday January 9, 2022
Circle Evangelical Church
Circle, Montana
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Cheri Fritz Weidner says
To one of the best neighbors a person could ever ask for. Thank for all the great memories Julie. We will all miss you. ❤
Lynn Anderson says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Julie’s family and her husband, Bubb. May God give you comfort during this difficult time.
Darci Wanger says
Julie was a delight to know. I worked with Julie from 1993 until her retirement in about 2010. She taught me many lessons about not just work but everyday life; many fond memories and great appreciation. We will all miss her for a long time. My condolences to the whole family.
scott taylor says
To Bubb and family…I’m so sorry to hear about Julie…I just talked with her this fall…may the love of the Lord bring you comfort at this time….Scott and Gail Taylor.
Larry French says
Bubb I am so sorry.
Denise and Bert (Strand) Stambaugh says
Bub and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Julie passing. May she Rest In Peace and may your memories help to ease your pain. Sending you many hugs, love and prayers.
Tara Kirkegard says
Angie, Jeff, and Bub…
I am so incredibly sorry for the loss of your Mom and wife. She was such a sweet soul and I can still hear her very contagious laugh. I have many memories of her during my time in Circle. I pray that in time you will find peace and joy in your thoughts and memories of her. It is such a beautiful thought knowing that your Grandma Blanche was there to welcome your Mom home. I am lifting you all up in prayer and sending love and hugs. Rest peacefully Julie. You have your wings. 🙏❤️
Margaret Melrose Maresh says
I don’t have adequate words. Juliie was such a big part of my life growing up. We were active in the same church and our families were good friends. I was the other “chubby” girl who got all of Julie’s hand me downs, which were always beautiful. She was one of those friends with whom I could carry on a conversation as though we had never been apart no matter how long it had been. I was privileged to have a great, long visit with her and Bubb in September, which I treasure. I praise God that she has neen released from her physical ills and is now in His presence. Bubb, Kim and family, know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Louise says
Julie will be missed by many and especially Bub. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Robert Beason says
Sorry to learn of Julie’s passing. We were in H S Music together for years. Her folks provided the music at my dad’s funeral way back in 1955, whose accidental death at age 29 was a horror for all. my thoughts out to all the family, and may she rest in peace…..
Jessica Schmidt Bradley says
Sorry for your loss. Thinking of Bub and the rest of the family.
Sheri and Larry says
Julie was such a lovely lady. I enjoyed knowing her over the years. Bub, I I hope God’s peace and love will bless you during this time.
Tim Boysun says
Oh no so sorry to read this. Bub you are a great man, I enjoyed farming and visiting with you many times with Grandpa Frank. May the Lord comfort you in this time of need. GOD BLESS YOU and may you have peace and may Julie Rest In Peace. Lord please comfort the rest of the Thorgaard and Howard families.
Karen and Dennis Wolff says
We are sorry to hear about Julie’s passing, but we know that she is at peace as she was a devout Christian and dedicated church member. Julie was a loyal, hard-working employee for many years. She was a community- minded person devoting many hours to the events and projects. She was musically talented and volunteered for social, church, and school-related activities. She will be missed.
Kathy Aakre Ruddy says
My condolences to all of Julie’s extended family. What happiness she brought to those who loved her and to those who benefited from her volunteer work. May she be enjoying the peace of Heaven and the music of the Angels now.