Julie Vihel Perkins

Tall, slim, reminiscent of Lauren Bacall, Julie Vihel Perkins had her own distinct wit, total recall of old Arizona lineage and an incomparable flair!

She is no more……..Room #1, on reserve for her at the Connor Hotel is now available. The Jerome Fire Chief won’t need to take her to the station in the hot summer to get her into the air conditioning, she has moved on, the Verde Valley is missing an icon. She died right around happy hour on Thursday October 21, 2021, after suffering a stroke.

Born at the old St. Josephs Hospital in Phoenix, because on April 7, 1940 the city of Tempe had no hospital, Julie grew up on 5th Street in Tempe, under the shadow of the Tempe Buttes. After graduating from Tempe Union High School, a proud Buffalo, she was elected Arizona Jr. Miss and represented our state in the Azalea Festival in Mississippi, where she won the title of Miss Congeniality! Julie attended university in Hawaii and Mexico City.

She returned to her home state where she married well and often and raised her children, daughter Liesl and son Matthew.

Julie had an eye for detail, a penchant for education, and a charitable heart. Instrumental in founding Hospice of the Valley with many in her tennis group and often flying mercy health missions to the Navajo reservation, her competency and compassion were a part of her being, along with a quick wit, total recall, and the ability to upon occasion, swear like a sailor!

In last chapter of her life she moved from Paradise Valley to the Verde Valley and took up residence in the town of Jerome in the charming home left to her by her Grandmother. Her friends in Jerome became a part of her family, and were special to her.

She is survived by her children: Liesl (Robert) Bogar, Matthew (Susan) Veazey, and grandchildren, Nate, Riley, Emma, Helen and Eli. Her brothers Dick and Mike (Jennifer) and sister Pamela Vihel.

Julie’s ashes will be spread over her beloved peaks in a private ceremony. A Celebration of Julie will be held at Paul and Jerry’s Saloon in Jerome, AZ. at a date and time to be determined

Memorials in her remembrance would be graciously accepted by the organization that meant so much to her: Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower, Phoenix, AZ. 85014

An online guestbook is available to sign at www. westcottfuneralhome.com