Julie Ann Hutchins Penrod, 36, returned to the arms of her loving Heavenly Father on Thursday, December 15, 2016, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
She was born on October 6, 1980 to John and Carol Hutchins in Phoenix, AZ. At age 9, she moved with her family to Sandy, UT. Growing up, she was a peacemaker in the home, and excelled in developing her many creative talents, including ballet and piano performance.
Having graduated with honors from Jordan High School in 1999, Julie was always a high achiever in her educational pursuits. Her college years were truly a highlight in her life: she made lifelong friends, excelled in ballroom dancing, and became fluent in Spanish. Her passion for learning led her to earn highest honors in two undergraduate degrees ‚ a BS from BYU, and another a year later in nursing from the University of Utah finishing in the top 1% of her class.
Julie married the love her life, Aaron Penrod, for time and all eternity in the Bountiful Temple on August 20, 2004. They then moved to Pittsburgh and she was hired as the youngest NICU nurse in UPMC's history. In 2006, they welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Tennyson, who was her pride and joy. Motherhood was her greatest calling.
She served countless people throughout Pennsylvania, Utah, Idaho, and New Jersey inside and outside her various assignments in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, notably using her ability to help organize Pittsburgh's first Spanish-speaking branch. She was a sincere friend to everyone she met.
Julie is survived by her husband, Aaron and their son, Tennyson. She leaves behind her parents, John and Carol; her three siblings, Bryan (Cecilia), Brent (Candice), and Amy (Alex); and her grandmother, Lucille Bankhead. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Dona and Howard Hutchins, and John Ray Bankhead.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 23rd at the Falcon Hill Ward, located at 2130 East 10000 South in Sandy, beginning at 10AM. A viewing will take place on Thursday December 22nd from 6-8PM at the same location, as well as prior to funeral services at 9AM. Interment at the Paradise City Cemetery.
