On August 5, 2025, the world grew a little softer and quieter as Julianne (Neff) Okragly released her final breath on this earth, with her oldest daughter and son-in-law comforting her at her side. Peacefully, she left this world just as she lived – on her own terms and time and with strength, grace and love and a swirl of fond memories of her family, particularly her grandchildren.  

Though born in Ogden, Utah, Julie spent her formative years in Lewistown, Montana where she attended Fergus County High School. It was in Lewistown, while working at the Yogo Inn she met her former husband, a young cowboy and musician, Michael Okragly. Julie later moved to Billings where she spent the majority of her life; both places she always held close and dear to her heart and will cherish forever the friends, family, memories and mountains. Julie found her passion for helping people and building a very successful career in the mortgage industry.  

Julie was the heart of the family and loved to host gatherings, parties and events, always with more food than anyone could eat and always with lots of joy and laughter. Family meant everything to her, and she always enjoyed serving big meals, having pool parties and dress up days with her grandchildren, and offered a welcome and comfortable place to land. She modeled strength, compassion and resilience. To those who knew her, Julie was more than a sister, mom, grandma, friend… she was the person you could call and talk to, she loved the daily early morning “coffee talk” a ritual that endured for years and years.  Morning coffee will not ever be the same. She had a more than generous heart and unwavering sense of loyalty.  

Preceding Julie in death were her mother, Beverly Virginia (Taylor) Neff and her father Julian Spencer Neff. Julie is survived by her four children: daughter Courtney Okragly (Jamey Painter) and their  children, grandchildren and soon to be born great grandchild; son Bryan Okragly (Kim Peterson) and his  children Avanlee Okragly, Ru Okragly Winkler (Tom), Ameris Okragly and Julie’s great grandson Adam  Okragly; daughter Kim Okragly Prill and her children Jonah, Ethan and Evelyn; and Kevin and Erica  Okragly and their daughters Avery and Ainsley. She is also survived by her loving sister Pamela Neff Ohalloran and brother Taylor Spencer Neff (Glauda), and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Julie was so very proud and full of love for her family, children and grandchildren and cherished dressing up with the grandkids, with no shortage of fancy clothes, frilly hats and shoes! Her kitchen was full of love and food, and always welcome arms. She lived her fullest and best life and left an indelible mark on our lives and this world. While she will be deeply missed, we are grateful for the love, memories and time we were able to share with her.  

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Julie in the way she would have loved best – dance around the kitchen, call a loved one, host a family gathering, and eat cake! You may also make a donation to Kinder Hearts Hospice-Amarillo at 1901 Medi Park Drive, Amarillo, TX 79106, who provided loving and compassionate care during her last days.