Julie Ann Bunker Mendes

Julie Ann daughter of Arvin Ross Bunker and Mary Catherine (Wagner) Bunker entered this world in Champaign, Illinois on May 31, 1975, as a healthy baby. Early in pregnancy a serious complication sent mother to the hospital where doctors forecast the child would die in a few hours. Two days later the mother went home, doctors believing she would soon return. The next hospital visit was to deliver a beautiful daughter, her doctor declaring “that must be a very special baby.” Julie was the third of seven children.

Julie is survived by her husband Charles Eduardo de Assis Mendes from Brazil, her father Arvin Ross Bunker and mother Mary Catherine (Wagner) Bunker, sisters Deborah Lynn (Rick Morse), and Kristen Nicole (Chester Grover), by brothers Christopher Scott (Valerie Nicol), Steven Edward (Meredith Durr), Mark Cragun (Jamie Johnson) and 26 nieces and nephews. Julie was preceded in death by her brother Michael Rand (Lela Meldrum).

Julie grew up in Virginia with teen years in Cochabamba, Bolivia then continuing her education at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho (now Brigham Young University Idaho) where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education then teaching in elementary schools in Kansas and Utah and youth classes in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her love for the youth and the elderly, guided her work throughout her life.

Funeral services will be Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel at 55 E 350 N, North Salt Lake. Viewing will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 AM prior to services. Interment will be at Masonic Cemetery in Jamesport, Missouri.