Julie Beth Gebel

July 25, 1961 - December 24, 2020

Julie Beth Gebel, 59, the vibrant, joyful, slightly pessimistic, or also known as the “queen of bargain shopping”. Garage sales and outlet malls lost a valuable customer on December 24,2020. She passed away, in her sleep, in Fort Worth, Texas on Christmas Eve morning. She will always be remembered as a loving mother, wife, grandparent, aunt, in law, and friend to all that knew and loved her. She was born on July 25, 1961 in Champaign, Illinois to Robert and Shirley Russell. The birth and death of this great woman, however, is not nearly as relevant as all the days and nights that she lived to the fullest between those two dates. Julie lived a magnificent life after attending high school at Prospect High in Mount Prospect, Illinois. She moved to California, and was followed by Mark Gebel, who would later marry her in March of 1980. She was always a caregiver, she worked at a daycare, as a nurse aide, and even worked at the famous Forest Lawn Cemetery. She then had her most challenging job of all being a housewife to four surviving children Micheal, Jonathan, Danielle, and Kristina over the next 16 years. She would also become a grandmother to Jonathan Jr, Breelan Grace, Jennifer, and Landree Rose. After suffering a major stroke two years ago, a new Julie emerged. The Julie we grew up with was patient and never talked over anyone. After her stroke, a bolder, more outspoken Julie became, and she was not afraid to speak her mind. She became one the strongest ladies most knew, taking her final hike to Hidden Falls in Yellowstone She realized that she couldn’t limit her challenges, but challenge her limits., and despite her limitations, she successfully completed an uphill 2-mile journey to where she would finally get to run into her favorite animal, a bear. In truth her life symbolized a bear, she survived and conserved all the joyful moments left of the earth. Leaving unknown tracks in her travels, and enjoying the planet to celebrate all of God’s beautiful creations. Left behind to carry on Julie's legacy: her beloved husband of 40 years, her children, their spouses, and 4 grandchildren. Julie lived a full and happy life, and we are honored to celebrate the dash between the day she entered this world and the day she left it. We encourage you to do the same. The visitation will be held from 11:00-1:00pm on January 2, 2021 at Lucas Funeral Home in Keller, Texas. The Celebration of Life, will be held between 1:00-1:45pm later that day... Interment will follow in I.O.O.F. Westlake Cemetery in the Town of Westlake, Texas. You may view a recording of Julie's Celebration of Life by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhIaDn_P42w