Julee Ann Pugmire Brady, 63, rode peacefully away to heavenly pastures on August 22, 2020, from her home that she lived in for 25 years, surrounded by her eternal companion of 43 years and their five children.
Julee was born on February 19, 1957, to Glenn and June Pugmire in Murray, UT. Her parents had such an enthusiasm and zest for life, each other, and the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was one of six beloved children: Don Pugmire, Robyn Stone, Mark Pugmire, Brent Pugmire and Marcee Alston.
Glenn worked for Amoco Oil and they moved multiple times in her youth, which laid the foundation for her ability to meet and connect with strangers and instantly make them lifelong friends. That helped Julee grow into the charming and charismatic person we all know and love. From an early age, she had a passion for horses, the outdoors, fashion, animals and being with her family and friends.
Julee graduated from Jordan High as an honor roll student, a student council member and a ZCMI Youngtimer. She then attended Dixie College in St. George, UT, where she was Student Body Class Secretary, the Fashion Board chairman (coordinating the Dixie College fashion shows) and made the high honor roll.
Her life was forever changed at the young age of 18 when she met the football-playing cowboy, Patrick Thomas Brady Jr. On the first day of registration, Pat saw Julee and felt heavenly intuition and told his friends, “That’s the girl I am going to marry.” That comment was the catalyst that led to their marriage on February 4, 1977, and a 43-year romance that only grew stronger as time passed, and will continue into eternity.
Pat and Julee moved to the sunny state of Arizona in 1977 where Pat worked in construction with Julee’s brother, Mark Pugmire. That led to a distinguished career in building fine custom homes for over 40 years, as Pat and Julee worked side by side successfully growing Customs West Inc. In addition to being an exceptional “domestic engineer,” Julee was also a real estate agent and modeled with both Bobby Ball Talent and Signature agencies. It was there that she developed some of her most cherished friendships that continued throughout her life.
She and her handsome cowboy created a happy home and filled their days with hard work and family time. They especially enjoyed fishing, camping with the horses, rodeos and horse rides throughout scenic Arizona. They loved the summertime with family in Midway, UT and Reno, NV. Frequently they also enjoyed hosting family and friend gatherings, weekly date nights, church activities, rodeo queen pageants and school programs (football games, track meets, chorus concerts, cheerleading competitions and volunteering on field trips and in Art Masterpiece).
She was influential in many arenas in her life and won a series of titles and community honors such as America’s Perfect Couple (1992), Mrs. Arizona (1994), Community Heroes Award, Kicking Up Kindness Life Time award and the VMLC Veterans Appreciation Award.
The horse fever started at the young age of 13 when she purchased her first horse, and it continued to shape how she gave back to her community; she loved bringing the welcome sound of horse hooves to various communities and charities. She has served in the Gilbert Promotional Corporation for decades and did an immense amount of community work, including helping to put on the Gilbert Days Rodeo. She also pioneered the Kick’N Up Kindness program which continues today.
Julee was also the founder of the Cowgirls Historical Foundation, which celebrates the talents and camaraderie of the western past, and brings us to an increased knowledge for the present. The non-profit equestrian and community group was honored to participate in events such as the Equestfest and Rose Parade, where Julee rode for many years. They also were featured on RFD-TV and other media outlets for the impression they left with their community service and equestrian performances.
Of greater importance than those accomplishments was what she accomplished with her family and her faith. One of the ways she shared her devotion to God was by serving in various capacities for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, such as in ward and stake presidencies, a Sunday school teacher and as a Cub Scout leader. Her testimony was so deeply rooted in our Savior. Her children will echo that she was intentional in everything she did and her greatest goal was to love and uplift others because she was motivated by her enduring testimony and by our Savior’s love.
Julee Pugmire is preceded in death by her parents Glenn and June Pugmire, her siblings Brent Pugmire and Marcee Pugmire, who both passed away last year, and her granddaughter Ireland Riggs.
Her beautiful life will be forever cherished in the hearts and lives of her husband Pat Brady and her five children, their spouses, and her 21 (and counting) grandchildren: Shanda and Don Riggs family (Kennadee, Brady, Raylen, Isaac, Ireland, Quinn, Rockford), Marjon and Jonathan Brown family (Bradyn, Jace, Brynlee, Kayson, Kavan), Kelsee and Colter Bradshaw family (Bryton, Cager, Lizee Jo, Beauchene), Kellan and Natalie Brady family (Dean, Truman, Mabel) and Taryn and Rick Hale family (Patrick, Ellis).
In lieu of flowers, and if desired, Julee’s family encourages others to do a good deed for someone else, a “Jul-deed.” Or you can donate to a charity of your choice supporting our military or first responders. We would love to hear about your Jul-deeds, so feel free to email them to JuleeBradyLegacy@gmail.com. Julee’s mission on earth was to spread kindness wherever she could in her sphere of influence, so it is fitting to celebrate her life in that way.
Viewing and Funeral details:
Viewing: Tuesday, September 1, 2020, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
3344 E McDowell Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85213
(open to the public)
Funeral: Wednesday, September 2, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
3344 E McDowell Rd
Mesa, AZ 85213
(as a result of Covid restrictions, this service is by invitation only but can be streamed live at the following link) https://youtu.be/m-myN7EoyO4
The VMLC sends heartfelt condolences to all of Julee’s family. For 13 years, the Cowgirls, under Julee’s leadership, assisted the VMLC with their Annual Heroes Patriotic Luncheon which honors active duty US Military Troops & Veterans of all US Services. It was a labor of love to Julee, who will always have a place in our hearts.
May we please offer our heartfelt condolences and love to the Brady and Pugmire families at this time. We have treasures our friendship with all of you over the years. May the Lord bless you with the comfort and assurance that Julee is and will be with you throughout the eternities.
Julee will be so missed!! My condolences and prayers to her family!! I try to do kindness to all in need!! I will now do in Julee’s name!! ❤️♥️
It is with a heavy heart that we remember Julee’s passing and convey our condolences to her family for their loss. Julee was a gracious lady who had a heart for service and especially our Veterans. She knew no strangers and always had a smile and a good word for everyone. For over 10 years, under her direction, she and her beautiful, hard working Cowgirls volunteered their time and energy to help raise thousands of dollars to help Veterans and their families going through tough times. Whether raising money for haircuts for homeless Veterans or encouraging others to donate, she and her Cowgirls were always ready to see how they could help. She was an amazing lady and a real patriot who loved her family and our country and made this world a better place. We know there is a special place for her in heaven and we’ll miss her ! God Bless the family as they remember all the wonderful memories they shared together. Sam Young, Colonel, USAF, ret.
…………..and when her wings could fly no more, she took the hand of God……….
We have a truly sad heart to hear of the passing of a beautiful person, mom, coach, cowgirl and friend of Mrs. Jullee Brady of the Cowgirls Historical Foundation. It was a true honor to be apart of the Rose Bowl Parade and Equestfest for many years with this special lady and her group the Cowgirls Historical Foundation.
She was such a inspiration to so many and I will cherish the times we got to be together and got to know her, her beautiful family and her Cowgirls of the Cowgirls Historical Foundatiion. We are so deeply saddened to learn of her battle with cancer. Our family too are fighting a battle of cancer with my Mom who was dIagnosed with cancer in late May. These are tough times and with the love and strength of our loved ones and special friends we find the strength to move forward. May her beautiful family be surrounded with the strength and love to get them through this difficult time.
Jullee you will be remembered in our hearts forever and know your hard work, passion for the western way of life, and legacy lives on forever and will never be forgotten. Our deepest sympathy to the Brady Family.
A beautiful family, role model, true living examples that we need more of in this world today. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
All Our Love,
Donnie and Trish Lynn and the All American Cowgirl Chicks
Kellan – I was so sorry to hear about your mother. My heart and prayers for you and your family.
My condolences go out to the Brady and Pugmire family. Im so sorry for your loss as Aunt Julie has gone to heaven we must not be sad we must celebrate her life
Our condolences to the Brady and Pugmire family. We are sorry for your loss and know that Julee is in a better pasture and waiting for her cowboy – Pat! Pat, Kellan and your whole family, we love you and have been praying for you and will continue to do so.
Pat, Kellan and your family, we have been praying for you and will continue to do so. We know it has been hard and know that Julee is now in a better pasture and waiting on her cowboy – Pat! You have our condolences.
Our love and prayers are with the Brady family. Julee was a true light in this world; shown by her faith, family, kindness, and always tireless desire to serve others. That light continues to shine through all of you.
God Bless,
Tom and Karen Passion
One of the kindest, most compassionate people to have ever lived on this planet. Gone too soon.
Her smile still brightens the memory in my mind. She is a perfect example of kindness and inclusion. Love you my sweet old friend
Pat and family, so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. Love and prayers to you and yours.
My condolences to all of Julee’s family. I’ve heard said that our Lord calls the best home first, and that is certainly true this time. Julee was one of the most wonderful women I’d ever met – kind, friendly, and caring. She never knew a stranger. She worked tirelessly to help others and make other’s lives better. I pray that her family can be comforted knowing that she is certainly in heaven with all the other angels now, and will always look down from there to continue to watch over us. Elise Pitterle
She always expressed a warn invitation during my visits from Illinois while visiting my daughter. She taught
me about picking oranges. Will miss her on my next trip to Mesa.
Julee we will miss you greatly but are so proud of you and the life you lived. Love you!
Julie was an exceptional Lady. Her enthusiasm was contagious. May Heavenly Father bless and comfort you all.
Julie was an exceptional Lady. Her enthusiasm was contagious. May Heavenly Father bless and comfort you all.
So sad to learn of the passing of sweet Julie. She was always friendly and kind to everyone. We are grateful to have been neighbors and friends. We pray for your family to be comforted as you remember her beautiful life and all that she gave to others.
Love,
Bonnie and Doug Fielding and Family
So saddened to hear of Julee’s passing. She was a remarkable woman that will leave a tremendous void in many dear hearts. Sending our deepest condolences to her entire family.
Julie you were my childhood friend. Your beautiful smile, enthusiasm for life and love of family. We had so many adventures as little kids and loved the time we spent together. Even though we lost track of each other as adults you were always in my heart. Love you my friend….until we meet again.