Julianne "Juli" (Rubio) Dufresne

A dear baby girl was born in Missoula, Montana, on Oct. 24, 1940. She would grow up to be a kind and giving person who volunteered her time and organizational skills to countless organizations.

She was a prayer warrior and faithfully prayed for people throughout the world. She was an animal lover and had adopted an elephant in Africa. Recently, she sang in the choir at the First Presbyterian Church in Billings. She also was part of the Stephen Ministry and prayed with the person assigned to her. Juli graduated from the University of Missoula in 1964.  She received a BA in elementary education in 1964. This would be the beginning of a career in teaching that spanned more than 40 years. She went on to receive her master’s degree in elementary education in 1979 with high honors from Eastern Montana College. She continued to teach until her retirement in 2006.

At Eastern Montana College, she taught and trained future teachers in the Eastern Montana College Lab School.

She taught in the classroom, but had the opportunity to be a teacher in the Gifted and Talented Program. She created many interesting and engaging projects with these students.

Juli’s giving heart extended to volunteerism. She volunteered at the Friendship House, a docent at the Yellowstone Art Museum, Board of Directors for Delta Kappa Gamma, and many more organization in the community. She was a dynamic person.

She was preceded in death by her parents Julian and Goldie Dufresne of Missoula.

She is survived by her brother Ron, his wife, and children. When Ron and Juli were together, they constantly used puns and would laugh heartily at their own jokes.

Juli always looked for the good in people and her strong belief in Jesus as her Savior sustained her through many health concerns in life.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 10, at First Presbyterian Church, 2420 13th St. West.

Mathew 25:23 — Well done good and faithful servant.  Enter into the joy of your Master.