Keith & Keith Funeral Home

Julie Lynn (Keith) Kennedy died Sunday, November 15, 2015, at Cottage in the Meadow in Yakima. Born January 10, 1961, she was raised in Yakima and graduated from Eisenhower High School. She attended the Fine Arts program at the University of Washington and was a member of the Tri-Delta sorority.

Born with congenital heart defects, she fought a courageous fight throughout her life, assisted by her cardiologists, the late Dr. Warren Guntheroth and Dr. Eric Krieger, at the University of Washington. In spite of her health issues, she traveled to Italy, England, France, Argentina, and Hawaii. A year and half ago, she was able to travel to the graduation of her daughter, Lindsey Ward, from Seattle University Law School. She always maintained her infectious sense of humor and her kind spirit.

As her condition worsened, her youngest daughter, Erica Ward, moved to Yakima to become her full time caregiver the past two years.

Julie is survived by her daughters, Lindsey Ward of Seattle and Erica Ward of Yakima; her step-daughter, Jenni Kennedy Browne of Seattle; her parents, Royal & Kay Keith; her sisters, Cathy (Joe) Buchanan and Diane (Andy) Patterson of Yakima; and her nieces and nephew, Maggie, Laurie and Michael Buchanan, Claire, Brooke and Shannon Patterson, and her beloved dogs, Diego and Wheeze. Julie was preceded in death by her husband. Jim Kennedy, in 2012.

A Celebration of her life will be held Thursday, November 19, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. at the Englewood Christian Church, Englewood and North 44th Ave., Yakima. The family wishes to express its gratitude to Memorial Hospice and all the caregivers at Cottage in the Meadow. The family suggests, if desired, memorials may be made to Cottage in the Meadow in care of the Memorial Foundation