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Julia Maxine Bontrager, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2023, at the age of 86 in Port Charlotte, Florida. Born on February 5, 1940 in South Bend, Julia led a life of cherished moments and enduring relationships.
Julia’s journey began as the beloved daughter of her South Bend community, where her early years were filled with the warmth of family and the simple joys of Midwestern life. Her radiant smile and thoughtful nature were a comfort to all who knew her. As she grew, so did her capacity for love, a trait that would define her life.
Julia is survived by her children, Shella Moore and Richard Persing; her daughter-in-law Lori and her son-in-law, Dan Royce. Julia is also survived by eight grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren, each a precious addition to her legacy.
Julia married Joe Hooley on November 3, 2007 expanding her family to include her stepchildren and grandchildren, as well as several extended family members. Together, they shared a life full of laughter and companionship.
Julia’s interests were a reflection of her nurturing spirit. She found great joy in becoming a full-time resident of Florida, embracing the sunshine and the community she found there. She spent countless hours with her family, creating memories that would become their most treasured inheritance. Her hands were rarely still, as she expressed her creativity through crochet, and her mind was always active, fed by her love of reading.
Preceded in death by her daughter Cindy Royce and her son Mike Thomas; her parents, Matthew and Julie (Stump) Kramer and her five brothers, Julia’s legacy continues family by all those who had the privilege of experiencing her loving, kind, and thoughtful nature.
Julia’s life was a testament to the beauty of a well-lived life, one that was dedicated to the service of others and the pursuit of joy in the everyday. Her departure leaves a void that can never be filled, but her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. As we bid farewell to Julia Maxine Bontrager, we celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the countless lives she touched with her extraordinary heart.
In honor of Julia’s memory, funeral services will be held at 2:00 on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the Farrand Funeral Home, 300 N. Kalamazoo St., White Pigeon, MI 49099.
Julia’s family will greet relatives and friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 and from 1:00 until the time of services Thursday at the funeral home.
For those that would like to share stories, laughter, and tears, remembering a life lived to the fullest are welcomed in Julia’s online guestbook at www.farrandfuneralhome.com.
