In Loving Memory of Julie Jones McGehe

Julie Jones McGehe passed away on October 14, 2026, following a courageous battle with stage 4 colon cancer. Strong, independent, and endlessly positive, Julie met life’s challenges with determination and held on to that spirit right up until the end.

Julie was born in Tucson, Arizona to Gene and Deanna Jones, joining sister Tracey. The family moved several times, ending up in the small town of Glasgow Montana in 1970. Fond memories of growing up include her young at heart Dad that introduced her and Tracey to all kinds of fun like playing board or card games, roller skating, going to 6 Flags Over Texas, camping, and fishing for salmon in Idaho. When the family moved to Montana, their dad bought a snowmobile and countless hours were spent being pulled wildly on a sled behind it – part of what made her so tough! She and Tracey loved to ice skate on outdoor and indoor rinks in Glasgow (which Julie picked up again in Washington), building snow forts in the grocery store parking lot across the street from their home, playing football with the boys in the park, shooting hoops in the driveway, and swimming in the Glasgow pool and the Dredge Cuts at Fort Peck.

While attending Glasgow High School, Julie participated in Choir, Basketball and Track. On the Track team Julie succeeded in high jump, taking the State title in her Senior year and breaking the school record that is held to this day. Julie always wished someone would break her record - if it is topped in the future, possibly angel Julie will have something to do with it!

Julie was also a high school Basketball standout, possibly because Coach Jack Schye made her practice with the boys to toughen her up. Her family smiles remembering her stories about being hungry enough after practice to eat a large pizza all by herself. After high school Julie attended Rapid City National College where a few basketball players begged her to play when she just wanted to attend school. In the two years she played, she led the team in rebounds and scoring and shared the MVP award with another teammate. The National College Lady Mavericks won the National Little College Athletic Association national championship after the 1982 season where Julie earned All-American honors. One of the players that begged her to play was Terri Bauer, who soon became a life-long friend and helped with Julie’s caregiving.

Julie graduated from National College with a degree in Data Processing. She then moved to Washington State and started working as a bookkeeper until she was hired by King County as a 911 dispatcher. This involved her learning all the street names and locations in the Seattle area. This proved quite helpful when the boys started driving and found themselves in the wrong part of the city…. A quick call to Julie or Keith guided them quickly to safer routes!

Throughout her working life, Julie served others in many ways—as a 911 dispatcher, a reflexologist, and through her work at Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church. Each chapter gave her opportunities to connect with people and make a difference in their lives.

Julie loved returning to Montana to visit family. When niece Amanda and nephew Trevor were young, she would choke down McDonalds Happy Meals just to get the free toys to bring them…until she realized they could just be purchased! She loved to watch Amanda and Trevor’s sporting events and to pass on basketball tips. Aunt Julie was their biggest cheerleader and this continued with her great nephews as well.

Julie married Keith McGehe and deeply loved her children, Josh, Jakob, and Justin McGehe. To her daughters-in-law, Corissa and Brittany, she was an important and strong female role model. Her independence, encouragement, and positive outlook left a lasting mark on both of their lives as well as the rest of her family, and everyone she met.

Julie’s strength was perhaps best captured by her determination to keep doing the things she loved throughout cancer treatments. Only Julie could finish a round of treatment, head out to play five rounds of pickleball—and win! That was Julie: competitive, resilient, and always ready to embrace another good moment.

During the last few months of her life, Corissa lovingly served as Julie’s primary caregiver. Julie deeply appreciated her care and cherished every opportunity to spend time with Corissa and her family. Those moments together meant so much to her.

Julie will be remembered for her strength, her humor, her love for her family and friends, and her remarkable ability to stay positive even when life was at its hardest. Her faith was deeply important to her and a source of strength and comfort throughout her life. Her stories will continue to bring smiles, her example will continue to inspire, and her love will remain with all those who knew her.

Julie was preceded in death by her father, Gene Jones; husband, Keith McGehe; and her grandparents. She is survived by her children: Josh and Corissa, Jakob, Justin and Brittany McGehe; mother, Deanna Jones; sister, Tracey and Wayne Waarvik; grandchildren: Jordan and Gabrielle and Jaxson McGehe; niece, Amanda and Adam Powell; nephew: Trevor and Darcie Waarvik; great nephews: Tristan Powell, Gage, Mason, and Gentry Waarvik.

Memorial Services:

Memorial on November 2, 2026, at 1:00 MST at the Bell Mortuary chapel in Glasgow, Montana. Coffee and cookies will follow at the mortuary. As per her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private burial will be held in Snoqualmie Washington.

Service on November 14, 2026, at 2:00 PST at the Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church in Snoqualmie, Washington. This service will be livestreamed: Julie McGehe Celebration of Life Service (https://vimeo.com/event/6286437)

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice or The LAM Foundation.