Julie Glenn Heacock

Julie Glenn Heacock, age 81, of Grand Junction, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 17, 2025, at HopeWest- Ferris Hospice Care Center following multiple health complications.

Born May 2, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Gene and Jean Glenn, Julie grew up in Columbia, Missouri. She graduated from Hickman High School, where she formed lifelong friendships with her beloved “Kewpie Doll” girlfriends—who continued to gather for reunions throughout their lives, including in the very week of Julie’s passing.

After attending Stephens College in Columbia, Julie transferred to the University of New Mexico, where she studied Anthropology and English. There, she pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma and met, and eventually married, Tom Dykstra, with whom she had her two cherished children, Jeff and Leslie in Grand Junction, Colorado. Becoming a mother was her proudest and most treasured role, and she poured her heart into raising her children with love, fun and devotion, and continued to support and encourage them and their children until the very end of her life.

Julie began her professional career in education in the mid-1980s, teaching English at Fruita Monument High School. She became a beloved teacher, known for her warmth, insight, and dedication to her students. Her extraordinary people skills led her into district-level roles, culminating in her position as Director of Communication for School District 51.

It was also during this time that Julie met and married her second husband, Steve Heacock. Over the next 36 years, they shared a beautiful life together, filled with family, close friendships, travel, and considerable time at their beloved cabin near the Grand Mesa.

Julie was deeply invested in her community, faithfully volunteering her time and energy where needed and participating in many community groups like WOW, Book Club, New Dimensions and Camaraderie. She was an avid reader who loved to talk about books and fostered a love of reading with her kids and grandkids.

Julie was a loyal friend and a gracious host, always ready with a listening ear and a kind word. Those who knew Julie—whether family, lifelong friends, colleagues, students, or the hospital and hospice staff who cared for her in her final days—knew her as someone who loved without reservation. She consistently placed the needs of others above her own, leaving a legacy of kindness and compassion that provides a model for all who loved her to emulate.

Julie is survived by her husband, Steve; her children Jeff (Molly) Dykstra and Leslie (Jeff) Fox and her children by marriage Craig (Elizabeth) Heacock and Heidi (Bill) Young; grandchildren Mackenzie (Jack) Caron, Clara and Bennett Dykstra, Emily and Sydney Fox, Annabel, Laina, and Natalie Heacock, and Jill Young; great-granddaughter Emma Caron; brother Jeff (Barb) Glenn; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Jean Glenn, and her brother, David Glenn.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Redlands United Methodist Church in Grand Junction, with a light lunch reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Julie’s honor to HopeWest Hospice or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Julie’s life was one of love—steadfast, generous, and abundant. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.