Obituary of Julie Smith

Julie Ann Rees was born in Los Angeles, California on October 27, 1940. She was the only child born from the union of the late Brent and Julia (Rees) Collins. Julie received her high school diploma from Monroe High. Julie married Robert Smith on February 19, 1957 in Indiana. From this union of thirty-two years, came the birth of their three children. After her husband passed away in 1989, Julie went to work as shipping manager for Four Star Greenhouse in Carleton until retiring in 2004. Julie spent much of her time outdoors, doing activities such as camping, gardening, and mushroom hunting. She had a passion for fishing and while vacationing in Alaska, she caught a 127 pound Halibut that earned her a free trip back to Alaska. Julie loved to travel; she went to Mexico and ended up becoming a refugee there with her daughter Terri during Hurricane Wilma. During the summer, she loved to be on the beach or by the water. Julie loved the time she spent with her grandchildren; she often took them on vacations with her. On Friday nights she attended bingo in Toledo with her daughter. In her free time she enjoyed watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, as she was very good playing along. Julie Ann Smith, age 74, of Monroe passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at home with her loving family at her side. Her passing was preceded by her parents and Husband: Robert R. Smith. To cherish her memory she leaves two daughters: Vonda Taylor and Terri (John) Milliken of Monroe; a son: Gregory A. (Rhoda) Smith of Newport; seven grandchildren: Angela Feko of Dundee, Kyle(Christy) Taylor of Newport, Jenna(Jacob) Cisneros of Toledo, Hannah Taylor and Stephanie Smith of Monroe, Holly (Jay) Robinson of Fairborn, Ohio, and Jacqueline Milliken of Monroe; Significant Other: Leo Brockschmidt of Monroe; her best friend: Sandy Meyers; and two beloved dogs: Sparky and Lucy. Friends may gather from 2:00pm-8:00pm on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 11:00am, Thursday, November 6, 2014 also at Merkle's with Rev. Gary Pickrell, Associate Pastor of Monroe Full Gospel officiating. Cremation will follow through Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial donations are suggested to Mercy Memorial Hospice. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo, by visiting www.merklefs.com then selecting Online Tributes page.