Julia Mable Hope Kogele Gatlin was born June 23, 1948, in Miles City, MT., to Robert Hope and Irene Yeager, joining her 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 she attended many different schools. She ended 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 go 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 http://www.stevensonandsons.com.