Julie Annette Shepherd was born on December 21, 1999. From the first day she came home, she loved to be with people and had a smile that warmed everyone’s heart. Throughout her life, she had a deep concern for other people and a competitive nature that pushed her to become a stand-out softball player and a state record holder for powerlifting.
Julie passed away on January 26, 2017, after a long struggle with severe depression. She fought her disease hard and with extreme bravery, but ultimately, with no relief in sight and the darkness becoming more severe and isolating, she could not continue to suffer.
Even in death, Julie continues to give to others. Through God’s miracles, Julie’s organs were preserved and donated to desperate recipients whose own lives depended on Julie’s donation. The surgeon transferring Julie’s heart described it as the “mythical perfect heart.” Through the donation of her organs, Julie has provided additional life to six needy recipients and for others, she has provided tissues including corneas, ligaments, and skin tissue.
Julie had a smile that would light up a room and a quick wit that kept everyone on their toes. She was profoundly devoted to her family, friends, and teammates and would defend them fiercely. She loved deeply, laughed often, and lived with an intense energy. Julie loved hiking, going to the lake, playing with her pets, and spending time doing anything with her friends. She thoroughly enjoyed her job at Park Avenue Bakery interacting with her coworkers, customers, and owners. Julie was a beautiful young woman who touched many lives.
Julie’s passing has devastated her family and friends. She is survived by her parents, Derrek and Janene Shepherd; sister, Lauren Shepherd and brother, Sam Shepherd; grandparents, Bea and Roger Sanchez, Gerry and Teresa Shepherd, and Gary and Rosemary Armstrong; great grandparent, Ruth Armstrong; aunt, Kila Shepherd; her California aunts and uncles, Jennifer and Bill Lucas, Julie and Peter Lee, Julie and Roger Sanchez, Alex and Jamilyn Holman, uncle Robert and aunt Chris, Uncle Jeremy Flores and aunt, Jacquie, uncle David and aunt, Naomi Flores; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Julie Armstrong.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Fortress of Joy Church, 720 Faw Rd. with a reception to follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials in Julie’s name are suggested to NAMI. A memorial account has also been established at Wells Fargo under the name of Julie Shepherd for Julie. You may donate as you wish at any of the branches. Please see below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Julie.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday February 4, 2017
Fortress of Joy Church
720 Faw Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Saturday February 4, 2017
Oneighty
720 Faw Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Nicole says
Sending heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Julie. Often times we cant find the right words to express how we feel, only tears. God is near those who are broken hearted, Psalm 34:18. He(Palm 83:18) has promised to remove death and all suffering, Revelation 21:4
Kate says
Words cannot express our sadness at your loss. May you find peace in your memories, comfort in family and friends. Our prayers are with you.
Sam Lamping
Kate and Rodney Lamping
Tina, Tony, Joey and Kelli Tillo says
Derrek,Janene,Sam and Lauren and all family members,
Our hearts are broken and no words to explain the saddness we feel about Julie’s passing.
She was an amazing young lady with a never ending smile, one I will never forget. Your family is in our prayers.
Gil, Stacey, Taylor, Tiana, and Tyra Johnson says
Derrek, Janene, and family,
We are so saddened by the passing of your beautiful daughter. Julie was such an amazing young lady with a smile that could light up the night. We will miss her greatly. Julie was such a talented softball player. Tyra and Tiana will cherish the memories they have playing on the Silver Storm softball team along side Julie. She truly was a wonderful teammate and friend.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and sending gentle hugs your way.
Hayley Russell says
Julie was an amazing person and a great friend and a great teammate she will always have a place in our hearts and a place in all of our lives she would light up a room with one smile and help people when needed I am really going to miss her competitiveness on the field and I am going to miss the fun time we had as teammates from being roommates at state and to her messing around with Coach Broadhead, Julie as a teammate was the best she would help if you needed it, Julie you are loved by many and always to remember to bring the heat ( heart, effort, attutitude and toughness)and that we all love you and send prayers and thoughts your way we all love you
Steve Barry says
Derrek, Kila and family, My heart and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your daughter and niece. May the Good Lord bring you and all your family peace and hope as you share the beautiful stories you shared together. In His peace and with Blessings
Brooke Marshall says
Dearest Kila and family, my heart is breaking for the profound sadness of mourning your daughter, niece, sister, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, friend, Julie. I am thinking of you and your entire family each and every day, and saying loving prayers.
Julie, your auntie talked about you so often, how lovely, brave and beautiful you are…I loved seeing the pics she posted on facebook, and the stories she told of you…may you find peace, dear one.
Joe, Colleen, Jenna and Hunter Rahn says
Derrek, Janene, Sam and Lauren,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Julie was truly an amazing, brave, strong and beautiful person. Your memories of her will remind you of that always. You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Penny Swanson says
To Kila and Family,
So sorry for your loss of Julie. My heart is breaking for all of you, may god be with you and share the beautiful memories Julie has left you with.
May you find peace with one another and the love you all shared together.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers
Lisa says
May the memories and stories of Julie’s life bring you love and strength during this time. God gives us a birthday on this earth and a birthday into heaven. Hugs and prayers to Julie’s family and friends.
Adrianne Slaughter says
To Kila, Derrek & the Shepherd family,
Although no words can help to ease the heartbreak you bear, please know that your family is close in my thoughts. This is an unthinkable tragedy and Julie’s impact upon the world was far greater than she could ever have imagined.
Sending love.
Amy Holodnick says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts, heart, and prayers.
Dave says
My condolences to the family of this lovely young lady. May God give you the strength to carry you through this loss in you lives. She will carry on in God’s hands and be with you always in your hearts.
Michele says
Kila, Derrek, Janine, Sam, Lauren and family~
We are so very, very sorry for your loss, the heartbreak and grief you are having to walk through right now in losing the beautiful and kind Julie. Please know we are praying for you all, that you may feel and know that “God is near the brokenhearted and those crushed in spirit.” (Psalms 34:18)
A Grandmother says
SYMPATHY QUILT
If only warm thoughts and gentle words
could be sewen together
I would gather all I could find
and create a quilt of comfort
that would keep you from the sarrows cold.
Kelley, Jesus, and Aluna says
Janene, Derrek, Sam, Lauren, Bea, Roger, and family,
Our deepest sympathies on your loss of such a bright, beautiful, and amazing young lady. We know your love for her was endless, and we hope that love will help you daily to live in honor of her memory.
Our prayers and hearts are with you.
Al & Renee Seiller says
To Kila, Derrek, Janene, Sam, Lauren and family. You are all in our prayers. Sending peace and love your way.
Julie Fischer Patterson says
Derrek, Janene, Sam, Lauren, Kila, and family,
No words are adequate to ease your pain; just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Julie was a beautiful young lady with an infectious smile, sparkling eyes, and a courageous spirit.
Chad, Jeanene, Sydnee & Jayde Tjaden says
I can still see her smile at the games. Julie will always be remembered and loved by so many. Prayers for all in comfort and love for today and always. She was an earth angel, now she is an angel with our Lord Jesus. We will miss you Julie….
Love, The Tjaden’s
John Schaffer says
My family’s thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Our faith is what keeps us going. God bless your family.
John Schaffer and Family
Jordan Hinman says
Jules, I am going to miss your hard as nails attitude. You made my senior night so special I couldn’t even describe it. You were so excited to give me my gifts and you stayed up all night putting them together. I am so blessed to have been your catcher. I love you Jules. Rest easy my girl ?
Linda Netschert says
Our hearts ache for your family. We will always remember Julie’s big smile and quick wit. Our prayers are with you.
God Bless,
Linda, Steve, Brandt and Bailey Netschert
Kaitlin says
I wasn’t super close to Julie, But she really did light up a room and bring joy to everyone. She will be dearly missed. My condolences to the entire family, all the friends, and every person her beautiful soul has touched.
Michele Cheeseman says
Derrek, Janene, Sam, Lauren and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for your family. You are all in our prayers. Sincerely, Eric & Michele Cheeseman.
Betsy Riley says
Derrek and family I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carissa says
To the family very sad she was a young age she was pretty and I like her smile. I might had met her she work at the bakery here in helena. I pary for the family.
Paula Holland and Family says
We will all miss Julie’s smile and her competitiveness on the softball field. Please find comfort in the wonderful memories you hold in your heart. Hugs to all of you.
Abel Hernandez says
My deepest condolences to all of her family.
Aunt Julie, Uncle Peter, says
You are a Special Angel. Who will always be in our Hearts and Thoughts forever. I will always keep you in my close. You were special the first day you came into our lives. And you will be Always.
Emma says
I will never forget julie’s bright smile that lit up the pitchers mound and her powerful bat. More than this I’ll miss her sassy attitude and personality that we could always count on to make a memorable practice. An immense amount of thoughts and prayers to those closest to Julie.
Love, Emma
John and Diana Tavary says
As it turns out Julie became one of my daughters most cherished people at Park Avenue Bakery. My daughter McKenzie has Autism and is non verbal. I was told that Julie was so caring and delightful towards my daughter. When Mckenzie was just walking by the Bakery she would go in , just to greet Julie with a big old smile waiting for her return smile and caring eyes from Julie. If I had known this before her passing, I would have made a point to let her know how important she was in my daughters life. We all need to know how we impact others in our world. In this world of darkness, she brought happiness to a young woman with Autsim. I wish I could thank her in person. Diana Tavary
Lee Holmes says
I did not know Julie but I am a retired teacher from Helena High School after 45 years and I know first hand the pain and grief that comes with this kind of loss. My heart aches for those close to her. I want to express my gratitude to the gift you have given to others with the organ donations. She will live on with such gracious a gracious act. You a remarkable family. My prayers are with you in the coming days. May God’s comforting spirit be with you.
Larry, Kim & Hunter Sickerson says
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to your family. No words can give you the comfort you desperately need right now. Our prayers are with you that God’s love will help you heal.
Paddy Ferriter says
I am so sorry for your painful loss. Julie was a delight and I remember her big smile. My daughter and Julie were friends in middle school when Julie lived on Winne. Such a sweet girl. Such a heartbreaking loss. Blessings, Paddy Ferriter
Tom, Sheila, Evan and Emma Martin says
We are so sad to learn that depression took Julie away from you.
We pray that you all feel warmth and comfort from our community as we grieve with you.
Michelle , Chauncey and Jean Flemings says
Blessings of Love, Peace, and Healing to the Shepherd family. We are sorry for your loss, but know that Julie is forever alive in the light and love of this beautiful universe! Love, Michelle, Chauncey, and Jean Flemings
Kara Christensen says
Beautiful daughter and beautiful family. Continued prayers for your family.
Flora B. Edwards says
So very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. RIP Julie!
School employee says
I did not know Julie well. But what I do remember about her, was honestly, her smile. It was so bright. She would just light up a room, and truly she was like a breath of fresh air. This is devastating. All of our love, thoughts, and prayers to you in this time.
Peggy Lucero says
I do not know your family , but I am a retired high school teacher and the grandma of a girls’ s softball pitcher, and I feel a connection of some kind to you and Julie. I witnessed what severe depression can do to a person, and even though it is hard for the rest of family and friends to understand, it is very real for the victim. I hope these words of Shakespeare help: “Do not grieve according to her worth, for then your sorrow will have no end.”
Carmyn Parks says
Julie was one of the most amazing people i have ever met, she was kind, fun, and most of all loving. One of my favorite memories with Julie is playing at grandpas when we were younger. There was no one else i would rather spend texting and snap chatting everyday. I am so blessed to have been your cousin, love you always. Fly high pretty girl, I know you’re watching over all of us, miss you so much.
Cindy Hoyt says
My heartfelt sympathy to the family of Julie. May God’s strength be with you and comfort you. It’s a sad time and there are no words that can really comfort you but to say that you are in my thoughts and prayers today and days to come. Hold on to Jesus.
Keri M says
I didn’t know Julie at all. I saw her obituary in the Santa Maria Times (my hometown), and wanted to thank her family for being honest about her depression. I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know that my prayers are with your family.
Joe and Sylvia Centeno says
We are so sorry to hear of your devastating loss. Know that Julie and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that Julie has found peace in God’s rest and in knowing that her death prolonged the lives of so many.
God bless you,
Joe and Sylvia Centeno
Cari (with Duane) Paige says
Please know that you all did the very best you could. I did not know Julie but it is obvious she was beautiful inside and out. I too commend you for being open about her mental illness. Walk gently.
kelly says
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I didnt know your daughter, but she has the most beautiful smile.
May god surround your family, and bring you comfort as you remember her smile.
Robin Reagle says
I’m. Sorry. For. Your. Loss! 🙁 prayers. Go. Out. To. The. Family. And. Friends. And. Park. Avenue. Bakery
Regina says
Derrek, Janene, Sam, Lauren; I love you all so much! Forever, Jules’s beautiful smile will be with all of us. I’m so grateful for the special family time that we shared in California. The memories will always be cherised…Prayers, blessing, & love! My deepest condolences ??
Jena Anderson says
So sorry for your loss, we are thinking about you and your family.
Clint, Jena, Brady Anderson
Saige says
Julie was a beautiful woman. She was a great person with lovely dimples. I wish she found help she needed, her beautiful face will never be forgotten. Rest in Piece you beautiful soul.
Jack Allen says
Dear Derrek, Janene, and family, as a former co-worker of Derrek’s at the Great Falls Police Department, I know I can speak for your GFPD family when I say how absolutely saddened we are upon hearing of Julie’s death. Julie was a tremendous young lady, and she obviously touched many. many people in her short life. May God strengthen and keep you always.