Julie Eddy Booker

I’ve always believed that life is a collection of stories—some heartbreaking, some hilarious, and all of them worth telling. My story began on May 3, 1956, in Reno, Nevada, as the youngest of four children born to Douglas Eddy and Audrie Graser. My journey was marked early by loss; my oldest sister, Linda, passed away before I was born, and in 1962, I lost my father to a head injury.

Following my father’s death, our family moved to Willard, Utah. It was there that our family truly began a new chapter when my mother met and married Ernest Abel in 1963. Ernie stepped into our lives and played an incredibly important role in mine from that day forward, bringing with him two stepsisters and two stepbrothers who officially rounded out our family circle.

I grew up to be a social butterfly at Bear River High School, where I cheered on the Pep Club and made friends that lasted a lifetime. But grief found us again in 1972 when my brother, Michael, died in a motorcycle accident just weeks before his graduation. It remains one of the most cherished memories of my life that I was asked to walk in his place to receive his diploma.

I later graduated in 1974 and earned my cosmetology certification from Weber State in 1976. However, my heart led me to McKay Dee Hospital, where I spent 12 wonderful years as a nurse’s assistant in the Maternity Ward and Newborn Nursery, helping new lives enter the world.

A Love Story (That Took a Little Nudging)

I met Larry in 1975 at Weber State. To be honest, he was a bit cocky and over-bearing, which made him the perfect target for my teasing. I used to whistle out my dorm window at him as he ran shirtless on his way to and from class. He didn’t have the guts to ask me out then. Two years later, having seen me enter my apartment, he showed up at my door with a bottle of lotion and asked me to rub the lotion on his sunburned back. My mother was there and—unimpressed as she was—rubbed it on for him instead of me. Ironically, he eventually won her over so completely that she became his biggest advocate, even taking his side over mine most of the time. We dated off and on for three years. I actually broke off our engagement twice, thinking he wasn’t the one for me. But in the summer of 1979, when he told me he was moving back to

California, I finally realized what I was losing. I told him, “No you’re not. We’re getting married” We were sealed in the Ogden Temple on May 30, 1980. From whistling at him out of my dorm window to standing by his side for over 45 years, marrying Larry was the greatest blessing I could have received.

Family, Faith, and Fun

Our life in Clinton was anchored by our three children, and raising Darin, Marie, and Emily was my greatest joy. Later, as the seasons of life shifted, Larry and I dedicated ourselves to caring for my parents and my sister as their health declined. Even though it was the hardest work we’ve ever done, we felt it was a privilege to be there for them in the ways they needed most.

Some of my happiest moments were spent in my daughter Emily’s classroom, where I’d show up with treats and drinks for every student, ready to help with any activity or party. Harry Potter Day and Christmas were my absolute favorites. I poured my heart into making small gifts for her students—whether it was a bunny folded from a washcloth for Easter, a crocheted stocking for Christmas, or a tiny, hand-crocheted Sorting Hat for every child on Harry Potter Day. I always loved adding that little extra something to make their day truly special.

My home was truly my sanctuary, a place where my creativity could run wild. Whether I was gardening, crocheting, or designing flower arrangements, I loved filling every corner with beauty—especially during the holidays, when I’d decorate every inch of the house. When I wasn’t crafting, you could usually find me lost in the pages of a good book or settled in to watch my favorite television shows. But Christmas was the real highlight; my kitchen transformed into a busy candy factory as I whipped up the “highly praised” homemade chocolates my mother taught me to make—a tradition I was so proud to carry on.

I always had a soft spot for animals, and our home was constantly filled with them. Over the years, we rescued countless dogs and cats—many of whom were “inherited” from family members who knew we couldn’t say no. I’m so proud that Larry and I passed that same deep love for animals on to our children.

My faith was my foundation. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Larry and I served in many callings together, though teaching the children in Primary was always a favorite.

The Final Chapter

In December 2024, I was diagnosed with cancer. I fought with everything I had. For a brief moment in November 2025, I thought I had won the fight, but the cancer returned and metastasized. Even through the treatments, I tried to stay positive, focusing more on the well-being of those around me than on my own struggles. I finished my earthly journey on February 18, 2026, with my loving family by my side.

I am survived by my devoted husband, Larry; son, Darin (Meagan), daughter, Marie (Tony); and daughter, Emily. I leave behind five beloved grandchildren—Milo, Aaron, Waylon, Audrie, and Ava—along with my stepbrother and many dear nieces, and nephews. I am now happily reunited with my father, mother, stepfather, two brothers, four sisters, and the many adored pets who preceded me in death.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to Dr. Belisario Arango, Dr. Chase Hansen, and their amazing medical teams—especially Angie, who helped me cope with the challenging road ahead. We’d also like to thank the many wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff at Ogden Regional Medical Center for their genuine, compassionate care they showed during my time there.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Syracuse Mortuary. 869 South 2000 West, Syracuse UT. Friends may visit with family prior to service from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary.

Interment, Clinton City Cemetery.

Services entrusted to Lindquist's Syracuse Mortuary.