of Kalamazoo, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, age 57, passed away after an accident on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Corewell Hospital in Grand Rapids. She was born on September 11, 1968, in Pontiac, Michigan, the daughter of Albert Floyd & Gari June (Foster) Monroe.
Julie grew up in Clarkston, MI where she developed a love for music and theater. She played trumpet in the high school jazz band and starred in many musicals, including Oklahoma!, where she played Aunt Eller. After graduating from Clarkston High School, Julie went to Central Michigan to become a math teacher. She began her career at Holly Middle School, then went to Chelsea School District as a high school math teacher. She later became an assistant principal at Beach Middle School and then principal at Chelsea High School followed by assistant superintendent from 2012 - 2016. In 2016, Julie retired from the Chelsea School District and became the CEO of Silver Maples in Chelsea, serving there until 2024, when she became President/CEO of Heritage Community of Kalamazoo.
On August 4, 1990, she married Dennis H. Deppner in Clarkston, MI, and he survives. Other survivors include her mother, Gari Monroe of Battle Creek; two sons, Nicholas (Haley) of Ludington, Drew (Madeline) of Royal Oak; her sister Carrie (Chris) Phillips of Battle Creek, and several nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by a son, Evan Deppner, her father, Albert Monroe; and a sister, Shelly Goodge.
Making connections is what Julie was all about. She influenced and played key roles in many community service organizations such as Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Chelsea Senior Center and LeadingAge Michigan. Her smile and personality instantly created many lifelong connections.
While she did enjoy shopping, family was her favorite hobby, supporting her boys through schooling, activities and many Chelsea Swim Meets. She was also an amazing decorator, helping direct her husband on many renovation projects.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Dec. 18, 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church of Chelsea, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, from 2-5 & 6-9 pm and at the church Thursday from 1-2 pm. Burial at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Silver Linings Fund at Silver Maples, the building fund at Heritage of Kalamazoo, 2400 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001 (please note "In Memory of Julie Deppner" in the memo line) or the Chelsea Education Foundation.
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