Julie Lynn VonBargen, 58, of Chehalis, Washington, went home to the Lord on Sunday, May 7, 2023, after a two-and-a-half year battle with brain cancer.
Julie was the fourth child of Joe and Karen Shandera, born Sept. 18, 1964, in Bremerton, Washington. She cherished her childhood spent in Poulsbo, Washington, surrounded by the beauty of the Olympic Mountains and the Hood Canal.
Julie graduated from North Kitsap High School in 1983. Then she went to Shoreline Community College in Seattle, earning a nursing degree. Julie worked at several hospitals as a registered nurse, from north Seattle, to most recently, Providence St. Peter in Olympia.
Julie married Karl VonBargen from Olympia, Washington, in 1989. They had three beautiful children: Megan, Jessie and Hayden. Julie and her family eventually settled in rural Lewis County, near Adna, Washington. Julie was known for her beautiful red hair, bright smile, quick wit and loving, caring capacity for those lucky enough to be around her.
Julie was preceded in death early in life by her father, Joe Shandera, and later by Leon Small. Julie is survived by her husband, Karl; daughter, Megan Kirkov (Roman), of Chehalis Washington; daughter, Jessie Deal (Seth), of Port Ludlow, Washington; son, Hayden VonBargen, of Chehalis, Washington; and grandson, Matthew Kirkov. Julie is also survived by her sisters, LeeAnn Crimbring (Carl), of Poulsbo, Washington, Marilyn Thompson (Matt), of Silverdale, Washington and Laura Brown (Kevin), of Everson, Washington; and mother Karen Small, of Poulsbo Washington.
Julie enjoyed her flower gardens, biking, clam digging, backpacking, hiking and camping in the Olympics with her family and friends. She so wanted to become a grandmother, a wish that came true in October 2021. She exemplified all that is so very special about a life partner, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter and friend.
She will be missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. June 27, 2023, at the Juice Box Public House, 216 S. Tower Ave., Centralia, Washington, 98531.
