Scott, I'm so sorry to hear about Julie's passing. I definitely know what you are going through at this time as I lost Effi just this past October. Please have my condolences for her passing. Take care.
Bruce Leonard
In Loving Memory
Julie Anna Russell Thornton
1950•2026
Obituary
Our dear Julie left us on Monday, June 1st, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Julie was a proud Utah native, born in Salt Lake City on February 27th, 1950 to parents James Rollo Russell and Dorothy Allcock Russell. She was a 1968 graduate of West High School and later the University of Utah (she was a Utah man, sir). She worked as a Home Economist for Utah Power before leaving to raise her family. In addition, she was a long time usher at university sporting events (she started at age 12) as well as Kingsbury Hall.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Scott, her daughter Anna and sister Sharon. Family being what it is, there are also numerous nieces, nephews, and a whole host of the most uniquely eclectic individuals who thought of her as mom. We love them all.
She is preceded in death by her son Kyle who, we are sure, was waiting for her with open arms.
The family would like to recognize and thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Utah Cancer Specialists who helped Julie fight her difficult battle and who, eventually, helped ease her transition. We appreciate you more than you can possibly imagine.
Funeral: Friday, June 5, 2026 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City at 1:30 PM. Visitation at 12:00 pm before the funeral. Friends may also visit with Julie and the family on Thursday, June 4, 2026, between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 PM. This will also take place at Larkin Mortuary.
Tributes
To Scott, Anna & Sharon,
Julie was the kind of friend that every woman wants and needs. From the time I first met her, Julie made me feel like a part of her family. I owe my career to Julie, as she encouraged me to apply to the Credit Union when Dorothy made her aware of an available position there. When I married Frank and had our children, Julie treated Theresa and Patrick as her own. Julie was a fabulous cook and made sure to prepare our family's favorite foods when we went to her house for dinner. Julie had numerous talents besides being a good cook and I was envious! Julie will be deeply missed by our family and all who knew her.
Cindy Serrian
Julie taught me about unconditional love when she gathered all of her chosen family around the table and fed us spaghetti and sausages. Everybody was always free to be their whole self at Julie’s table.
Brian Michalko
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