Julie Ann Cavender, age 66 years, of Great Bend, passed away on Nov. 10, 2022, at The University of Kansas Health Systems – Great Bend Campus in Great Bend. Julie was born on May 22, 1956 at Oahu, Hawaii to Don and Anna May (Smith) Jez. She grew up in Brownsville, Texas and lived the life of a “Navy Brat” living in several places, and moved to Great Bend from Woodward, Okla. 44 years ago. Julie did in-home daycare for a number of years and was later employed by Dr. Copeland in Great Bend as an Eye Therapist. She was an accomplished artist in painting, photography, and ceramics, having attended Barton Community College in Great Bend in their Fine Arts program. Julie also loved gardening, raising houseplants, singing, and especially loved children.
Survivors include four daughters: Jennifer (& Jason) Wilson of Lawrence, Michelle W. Cavender and Jewel R. Cavender, both of Great Bend, and Jessica I. (& Matthew) Peebles of Houston, Texas; 10 grandchildren: Alees Cavender, Isabella Rodriguez, Jazmin Rodriguez, Daizy Gomez, Romeo Green, Genevieve Gilbert, Chandler Cavender, Kobi Wilson, Kalib Wilson, and Madisyn Peebles; three great-grandchildren: Kyleigh White, Sage Wilson, and Kingston Rodriguez, plus another on the way; one brother, Sam (& Deanna) Smith of Windom. Julie was preceded in death by her parents; a brother Jez Jez, and a sister Jeanine Pettijohn.
According to her wishes, cremation has been chosen and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Julie Cavender Funeral Expense Fund with Charter Funerals of Great Bend, Kansas in charge. Online condolences may be left for the family and a full obituary notice may be viewed at http://www.chartergreatbend.com