Mary Julia Sloat, known as Julie by her friends and loved ones, passed away Thursday October 25, 2012. Julie, 91, was living in Richland. Julie was born December 14, 1920 in Fairfax Alabama. In her youth she was elected Miss Chattahoochee Valley and competed in the Miss Alabama contest. Beautiful and intelligent she graduated valedictorian in her high school class. In 1943 she traveled west with her two small children to Richland Washington settling as one of the first "transplants" to this area. She considered Richland home even though there were short periods of time spent living in other areas.
Her good grasp of numbers, organization and precision aided her in her professional career working as a business manager. She spent her life in pursuit of knowledge and information. She was an avid reader and lifelong learner even into her 90s. Julie was happiest surrounded by family. Her smile and perky body language would let you know she was "in her element" when her family was near. She enjoyed games, scrabble, cribbage, crossword puzzles and Sudoku –always challenging her mind. She also enjoyed volunteering for the Kadlec Auxiliary. She felt one of her secrets to a long life was to be an enthusiastic walker. She was often seen carrying bags to pick up litter and items to recycle. She was an ardent defender of the planet and community natural resources. She received great peace and inspiration from the beauty of nature. Julie is survived by her son Mike Stanfield Mesquite Nevada, her daughters Barbara Stanfield Heffner and husband David Heffner Grass Valley California, Pamela Sloat Woodward Richland Washington and husband Scott Woodward and her sister Alivee Coggins. She felt blessed to have four grandchildren: Shawn Heffner, Heather Heffner, Julie Heffner Lee, and Taylor Woodward and two great grandsons: Johnathan and Justin Lee. Julie was a compassionate person exhibiting great interest and concern for others. She enjoyed a sense of humor and loved to laugh. Her wisdom was admired by all who knew her. She will be missed. There will be a memorial to celebrate Julie's life on Thursday November 1st 2012 – 2:00 PM. at Memories at Sunset Event Center on the grounds of Sunset Memorial Gardens, 915 By-Pass Highway, Richland, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Hospice at the Chaplaincy, 1480 Fowler, Richland, WA. 99352. Hospice treated Julie with dignity, kindness and compassion in her final days.