Julie A. Heath

Julie Ann Withey Heath, 55, of Poplar Grove passed into the arms of Jesus at home on October 20, 2014.

Julie was born on August 11, 1959 in Elgin, Illinois to Jerry and Janice Withey. She married her best friend, Dan Heath on December 23, 1983 in Elgin, Illinois. Julie was a graduate of Larkin High School. She worked at AT&T, was a Realtor with ReMax and owner of Horizon Distributors. Julie was a long-time resident of the Boone County area and spent several years as a resident of Haines City, Florida.

Julie spent her summers on the Chippewa Flowage in Hayward, Wisconsin and enjoyed fishing, boat rides and relaxing in the North Woods. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, shopping and spending time with her family.

Julie was strong in her Christian faith, spending time as a Sunday School teacher, involved in Bible studies and volunteering through the church. She was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere. Julie was Baptized as an infant and then again in 2006, in the Jordan River in Israel.

Everyone who knew Julie knew of her generosity and loving spirit. She was kind, gracious, humble and full of life. Her smile could light up a room and her laughter was infectious. Everyone who knew Julie was blessed, simply by knowing her.

The most important part of Julie’s life was her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 31 years, Dan Heath of Poplar Grove, two sons, of whom she was extremely proud, Daniel (Nicole Boviall) and Douglas (Danielle), both of Belvidere and six grandchildren, who were the greatest joy in her life, Cole, Logan, Malachi, Lillian, Hunter and Lanie, all of Belvidere. She is also survived by her loving mother, Janice Withey of Haines City, Florida and four siblings, Frank (Judy) Withey of Acworth, Georgia, Sally (Michael) O’Rourke of St. Charles, Pam (Don) Bradley of McDonough, Georgia and Nancy (Roger) Wuilleumier of Elgin. In addition, she is survived by her father-in-law, Dan (Karen) Heath of Osseo, Wisconsin and mother-in-law, Diane (Gordon) Austin of Mission, Texas. She has many sisters and brothers in law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, who will also miss her immensely. Her father Jerry Withey preceded Julie in death.

The family will receive visitors from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Friday, October 24th at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere. The funeral will be held on Saturday, October 25th at 10:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran School in Belvidere. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, assisted the family. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.