Julie Ann Gonzalez

Julie Ann Gonzalez, age 65 of Grand Rapids, passed away on December 24, 2020 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus after a strong and brave battle with cancer. Julie was born in Grand Rapids on October 21, 1955 to John J. & Betty L. (Shreve) Smith and was a lifelong resident of the area.

A strong woman with a fabulous sense of humor, made Julie well suited as a bus driver for the Comstock Park Public Schools. When she wasn’t working you were sure to find Julie crafting, gardening or with her children. With a creative talent, she was able to design, sew and paint countless projects; ultimately making treasured keepsakes for her family. A woman of faith, Julie attended Resurrection Life Church and when her health wouldn’t allow her to be actively involved, she would have her television tuned to the streaming services.

The only thing Julie loved more than crafting and gardening was being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved being goofy with the kids and making them laugh. Between trips to the lake and ice cream shop Julie managed to create a wealth of memoires for her children. Julie was a model of independence, a true fighter and her laughter will be missed by many.

Julie is survived by her children: Melissa (Keith Merrill) Funke, Angela Burns and Daniel Smith; her grandchildren: Izaak Funke, McKala Merrill, Jessica Smith, Ivory Boelens, Asha, Janae & James Burns, Elexus Smith and Daniel Smith Jr.; her great-grandchildren: Kellen, Caleb, Colten, Mark, Lilly and Penelope; and her siblings Al (Helen) Smith, Bonnie Gonzalez, Rory (Gail) Smith, Lori Vera, Vicki (Sammy) Vela, Danny Smith and Judy Wert as well as many other relatives.

Julie was preceded in death by her husband Pedro Gonzalez in 2010, her parents, her brother David Smith and her sister Patricia Johnson.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday December 30, 2020 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel. Due to the current pandemic requirements, 25 people only will be allowed in at one time, so please be patient while visiting. A funeral service will be held for the immediate family at Thursday December 31, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Friends may join via Facebook Live on the funeral home’s website.