Julie Hibbard

Comments about Julie from some of her friends: 

Quick to smile, slow to judge.

Kind and caring, putting others first.

Full of compassion.

One of the very smartest people.

Eyes that twinkle—usually when she has said something funny and is waiting for the rest of us to catch up.

God used her in so many ways to help others.

Julie Hibbard was born in Dallas, TX, on September 4, 1968, to Charles and Joy Cleek. She was the second of three daughters, arriving between sisters, Laura and Amy. 

 Julie participated in normal childhood activities like sports, music, and scouts, but her passion was reading. She had taught herself to read long before she went to school and was seldom without a book close at hand. 

Julie lived most of her childhood years in Oklahoma. A National Merit Scholar, she graduated from high school in Edmond, OK, in 1986. She then earned a degree in biochemistry from Abilene Christian University, where she was blessed to form treasured lifelong friendships.

On a Southwest Airlines flight from Houston to Oklahoma City in 1991, Julie met Bruce Hibbard. They married the following year. Their first home was in Franklin, TN, where Bruce built and operated a rock climbing gym while Julie earned a master’s degree in molecular biology and a medical degree from Vanderbilt University. In 2000 they moved to Salt Lake City for Julie’s medical residency at the University of Utah Hospital. They appreciated the beauty of the mountains and enjoyed the abundance of outdoor activities. Utah became their home. 

Julie’s practice of family medicine was a meaningful ministry that involved the development of personal relationships in addition to the medical treatment she provided. She enjoyed knowing patients of different generations, from young children to the elderly. When she was forced to retire because of her health, she was deluged with an outpouring of love and appreciation from her patients.

Julie’s faith in God sustained her throughout her life. It provided strength, courage, and peace during her almost seven year struggle with cancer. She was a member of Elevation Church, where she served on a financial team that involved benevolence. At Elevation she met people who became dearly loved friends. 

Julie was preceded in death by stepdaughter, Melanie Hibbard, and nephew, Matthew Phillips. She is survived by her husband Bruce, who has been constant in his devotion to her; step-daughter, Melissa Hibbard, and her husband and daughter, Hamid and Sophie Rahmanian, of Brooklyn, NY; and parents Charlie and Joy Cleek of Oklahoma City, OK. She is also survived by sister Laura Phillips and her husband, Mark, of Abilene, TX; sister Amy Keltner and her husband, Tom, of Keller, TX; and sisters-in law Judy Hibbard of Oklahoma City, OK; Sandy Hibbard of McKinney, TX; and Leisa Speegle and her husband, Randy, of Oklahoma City, OK, along with cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 14, 2024, at 3:00pm at Russon Mortuary, 1941 N Main St, Farmington, Utah, where family and friends may visit from 1:45 - 2:45pm prior to the services. 

The Celebration of Life will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.

Those who wish to honor Julie’s memory with a donation may contribute to the Utah Food Bank.