Remembrances of Julie
'A smile that could light up a room'
Julie was a good friend to all who knew her and was always very humble about her many accomplishments in life. She was a bundle of energy and had the unique ability to make you feel like you were the only person that mattered when she was talking with you.
Julie was often described as having "a smile that could light up a room" and had a zest for life that was infectious to all who were around her. She touched so many people in so many different ways. Julie's inner light burned so brightly that its warmth could be could be felt by anyone she came in contact with. Her spirit will never be extinguished as long as her memory is held in the hearts of her family and all her many friends.
When I think of Julie, I remember her beautiful smile and I know that in having her as a part of my life, I was truly touched by one of God's angels here on earth. One of the best ways to continue to honor Julie is to give your time, your energy and your love to the people and causes that matter most to you.
— Betsey Locke, former VOICE Board member and friend
'Julie left the world a better place'
You have heard the old saying, "To know her is to love her." This really isn't true of most people but it was very true of Julie Geis. In return, Julie liked everyone. She believed there was a place for everyone, no matter what anyone else might think. To Julie, everyone had goodness in them no matter how many times they might have proven otherwise. Most of all Julie loved her family and friends and always defended both.
I miss her terribly—we all do. I will never understand why she was taken from us. When she passed away, it was the happiest time of her life. She had everything she ever wanted. Her star was bright and growing. Her smile was the sweetest smile in all the world—the world was hers and she tried to care for it and all in it.
I think about Julie more than anyone will ever know. The pain of her death is always there—just a little different from the initial shock but always there. I smile a little more now when I think of some of the things we shared. When I get mad at our dog, Cagney, I think of Julie and smile, which is not always easy to do. Julie left the world a better place than she found it. She should have been able to stay around a little longer.
— Becky, Lacy J., Cagney & Hannah (Julie's partner and their four-legged kids)
Competitiveness 'epitomized her passion and enthusiasm'
It's hard to pick one memory because there are so many (and one story or memory can only reflect a small element of the extraordinary person she was), but I remember Julie screaming (AT THE TOP OF HER LUNGS) through the television at the Cornhuskers during a Nebraska football game. It happened to be the Saturday before Sept. 11th and the last time I saw her.
That competitiveness was just one side of Julie but it also epitomized her passion and enthusiasm, whether it was for the Huskers or anything else she was involved in.
— Ann Abercrombie, former VOICE president and friend
'One of the fairest people I ever knew'
She was one of the fairest people I ever knew. She always made sure that everyone was treated with respect and dignity. Her quote that I remember most (however as her older and favorite sister, I remember a lot of things she said) was, "It is what it is, deal with it."
I love her and miss her terribly and thank you for paying tribute to her. I know she is very proud of how VOICE has continued to carry the torch for the women and children in the Kansas City area. God bless you all.
— Carol Varland, Julie's sister and former VOICE board member
'Humble and didn't believe in taking much credit'
I was very lucky to have known and loved Julie. And if there is anything in life I'm sure of, it is that Julie is proud and honored that two endowments have been established. She wouldn't necessarily care about having her name attached to the endowments, as she was very humble and didn't believe in taking much credit.
But she would be very proud of VOICE's work and the grants that have been given. She would love it that the money raised is being used for causes and programs she truly believes in. I'm proud to be part of that work, and even more proud to have called Julie my friend.
— Karen Button, current president of VOICE.
'Silly string on New Years Eve'
Julie was the type of person who you knew from the first time you met her that she would be a friend forever. Julie knew how to make you feel special and her smile made you feel warm and welcome. She left a lasting impression on me during the various times I was fortunate enough to spend with her. Two special occasions in particular stand out when I think of Julie.
One memory and need I say more then just six simple words: silly string on New Years Eve. That memory lives on each year as I think back and remember her running around the house spraying her friends and welcoming in the New Year with silly string. Her smile and contagious laugh can still be heard as I reminisce about those times.
Another moment I cherish was during a round of golf with Julie. An unknown golfer on another hole hit a lousy shot and it landed first by hitting me on the back. It was just inches away from seriously injuring me. Julie was so irritated that none of the gentlemen from the foursome had the courtesy to yell fore, that she immediately turned around our golf cart, drove down to their t-box, and set them all straight by giving them a crash course on golf etiquette.
I'll never forget how she stood up for me and said "You owe my good friend a big apology and you need to brush up on your golf skills." I think of that moment often and remember how we laughed as we drove away in our golf cart. I'm proud to have called her my friend.
I smile now as I look back and remember those special times…and I know Julie is smiling back. Julie may be out of sight, but her memories will live on in our hearts forever.
— Jody Rovick, VOICE board member and friend
'Throw me a ball'
Here's one of my favorite Julie stories. In 2001 I got tickets to the Masters. Julie, Becky, Lori and I headed out for Augusta. Before going to the tournament, we played at a golf course outside of Augusta.
Now Julie could hit a golf ball farther than any person I know. We were playing a par four and we all tee'd off and Julie hit her drive 30 yards from the green, it was a monster shot! There happened to be a little pond right in front of the green that she needs to cross over. She hits her shot, chunks it and it goes in the pond. She immediately drops down another ball, hits, and it too goes in the water.
She turns to us and says, "Throw me a ball." Once again, it goes swimming. If you knew Julie, there's no way she would give up at this point, it's just not in her nature. So she turns to us with fire in her eyes, doesn't say a word and we all three throw her a ball at the same time while trying to hold in our laughter. (She wasn't laughing.)
Ball number four goes in the pond as she mumbles words I cannot repeat under her breath. Ball number five finally finds its way to the green. Julie, with her easy going attitude laughs it off and of course we never let her forget it the rest of the trip. This is just one of the fond memories I have of Julie, and I will never forget her.
— Connie Seuell, former VOICE board member and friend
"In memory of Betty Jane Hafner, my mother & one of the most open-hearted people I have ever known."
- Brenda Hafner
