It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Julie Marie Gripp.
Julie, 53, of Merriam, KS, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Advent Health Hospital in Shawnee Mission, surrounded by loved ones. The family requests no flowers but suggests instead that memorial contributions be made to 1] Melissa’s Second Chances (mscrescue.org) or 2] On A Mission KC (onamissionkc.org). The cause of helping animals in need was one of her main passions in life and a beautiful quality that she possessed naturally.
A Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with services following at 10:30 a.m. on February 12, 2025, at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia St, Lenexa, KS, 66215.
Julie was born on May 8, 1971, in Kansas City, KS, and in her 53 years of life touched the hearts of many as she shared her kind and loving ways with an energy of true joy. She had a way of making the world around her seem so much brighter and would spend time with anyone who needed a shoulder to lean on or just lend an ear if they needed to be heard. Her sense of humor and quick wit was a gift she used to make friends easily, but subtly also gave insight to her independent side as well.
In her life, Julie was many things…a beautiful daughter, a spirited big sister, a true advocate for animals in need, and a loyal, generous & cherished friend and mentor. Additionally, she was a fine dental hygienist – going back to school where she exceled in learning this particular craft. She often received compliments from her patients who would pull her aside and thank her for being so gentle with them during their dental office visits. It’s worth mentioning that Julie was very active and athletic, musically challenged (could barely carry a tune vocally), and also a lover of cheese & crackers and potatoes…not necessarily combined.
Julie leaves behind a legacy of love. She is survived by her Father, Donald Gripp, of Kansas City, KS, her mother, Rebecca Townsend, of Kansas City, KS, her brother Rick Gripp (and his wife and children) of Holly, Michigan, her brother Vincent Townsend (and his wife) of Kansas City, KS, the Bowman Family, of Shawnee Mission, KS and many wonderful Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
Though she will be missed tremendously and never forgotten, all of us can take comfort in knowing that her spirit will continue to live on within our hearts and in the fiber of our very beings…that’s how it will always remain. Rest in peace our dear Juju…we’ll always love you sweet girl and know that your love will forever light our way.
Additionally, a Celebration Of Life will be held for Julie on Sunday, May 4th at 11:30am at the Shawnee Town Hall, located at 11600 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS.