Julie is survived by her husband, Charles Glenn Adkins of Chowchilla; her son Rickie Duane Kennedy II and wife Jodi of Chowchilla; also her daughter Sara Ann Elizabeth Gonsalves and husband Louis of Chowchilla; her step daughter Casandra Adkins of San Angelo, Texas; her mother Helen Elizabeth Baird of Traverse City, Michigan; her sister Kim Marie Drummond and husband Larry of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Julie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 35 years Rickie Duane Kennedy I; her father Jr. Fred VanTassel; and her two brothers Rickey Warren and Jeffrey Fred VanTassel; and her Grandparents Fred & Lorene VanTassel.
Julie lived her whole life as a "Chowchillian" where she meet her first husband and the love of her life Rickie where they married and raised two beautiful children. Soon the children married and had children of their own making Julie the happiest grandmother of four grandchildren, Sebastian, Devaneigh, Bella, and Siearra.
Julie latered married Glenn Adkins and spent the last two years,and became a instant mother of three. Glenn and Julie traveled in his truck sharing many great adventures together on the road and in life. Glenn lovingly cared for Julie as she grew ill in the last years.
Julie's children and grandchildren loved her as their "mother" and "grandmother" and a friend when needed. She was always selfless and had the biggest heart of gold. Her passion was taking pictures of anything and everything. There was never a stranger Julie knew, if she did, by the time you left you knew you had a new friend.
Julie dedicated her life to nursing, her passion was to help people. She touched the lives of so many people, her friends, her patients, colleagues, but most of all her family. She was an exceptional nurse and teacher because of her compassion and dignity to everyone.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Madera Community Hospital staff for the exceptional care and dignity in "moms" final days.
A Graveside service will be held for Julie on Friday, September 9 at 10:00 am at the Chowchilla Cemetery.
The family would like to invite you take the last ride with Julie. We will line up at Palm Memorial Worden Chapel at 9:30 and leaving by Police escort from 6th Street at 9:45 am.
