Julie Ann Utecht passed away in her home in Auberry, California, on August 29th, 2024. She is
survived by three children, Tavis, Ellie, and Arthur, as well as her two sisters, Cindy Barraza and
Diane LaCaze. She is preceded in death by her father, Ray O'Pry, and mother, Eleanor (Ellie)
Duffek O'Pry.
As a young girl, Julie rescued a sick pit bull who died a week later. She grieved for every dog
she lost, but this only strengthened her resolve to help animals in need. She continued to love
dogs and horses immensely, especially Genghis, who she described as the most emotionally
supportive dog she'd ever had.
Growing up in Hawthorne, California, with her parents and sisters, Julie was an exemplary big
sister who was always ready to help. She would spend hours with her sisters talking, learning,
and developing lifelong habits. An early indicator of her talent for teaching, she taught Cindy
how to drive while calm and confident. She showed Diane the importance of maintaining a
healthy balance and a good physical fitness schedule.
Years later, Julie moved to Fresno with her husband Thomas, and eventually found the home
she loved in a close-knit community called Auberry. While fighting health issues, she received
her bachelor's degree from Fresno State University. She then graduated summa cum laude with
a master's in Biology, while raising her first child Tavis. Seven years later, she had two more
children Ellie and Arthur.
During her years in Auberry, Julie enjoyed her life at home with her children, horses and many
dogs. She supported what she believed in, whether donating to charities or giving hard advice to
her family. In her community, Julie loved to volunteer at the library and taught at Foothill
Elementary and Sierra High School.
Julie believed her most important role in life was caring for her children as a stay-at-home mom.
As a mother, she showed never-ending kindness, support, and unconditional love. Julie was
happiest with her children in the house and always waited up until they got home. Her children
cherish their monthly dinner/movie dates as well as lake days with gouda cheese and deli
meats.
Instead of flowers, any wishing to honor her memory are more than welcome to donate to
ASPCA or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital which she supported for more than 20 years.
Julie will be remembered as a protector, a mentor, a sister, a mother and so much more.
Anyone that was lucky enough to have her in their life knew how special she was and what a
light she had in her soul. She will be missed immensely.