Julia Marion Maldonado

September 18, 1943 – January 17, 2018

In the early morning of January 17, 2018, Julia found rest in the arms of our Lord following a valiant battle with liver cancer. She was born September 18, 1943 in Rocky Ford, Colorado.

Julia attended the Riverside School when she first met the love of her life, Frank Maldonado in the 6th grade. Julia and her family moved to the other side of town, but she and Frank met again while she worked as a waitress at the local Bowling Alley. Frank and Julia married on October 20, 1962 and settled in the El Poso neighborhood. The couple began their family with the birth of Marilyn and followed with John Terrance, Paula and Frank Bruce “Buffalo.”

Julia was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church where she was immersed in her faith; her involvement with her church included Catholic Daughters and parish fundraising. She enjoyed helping those in need without question and prided herself in the gift of giving.

Julia was strong, independent and vivacious with a smile that would light up any room she walked into. Her humor and creativity was felt throughout the community. Julia’s hobbies included anything Elvis, being a Broncos Fan, making rosaries, dancing and listening to Al Hurricane and drinking Diet Coke. She graduated from Central High School, and attended Mesa College where she obtained a B.S. in Psychology.

Julia is survived by her husband Frank; daughters Marilyn Trueblood and Paula; and grandchildren, Matthew, Sasha (Lance) Baker, Frankie, Fabian, Adrian and Elena. She is preceded in death by baby John Terrance and son Frank Bruce.

A memorial mass celebrating Julia’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 26th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grand Junction. The rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 25th, at Callahan Edfast Mortuary; the viewing will begin at 5 p.m. The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to www.youcaring.com/JuliaMaldonadoFamily - Julia Maldonado Funeral and Memorial Fund.