It is with great sadness that the family of Julia Kay Babcock (Hiner), 65, announce her passing on February 18, 2025, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. Julie was born on January 23, 1960, in Ashland, Ohio. Julie Married Max Babcock on July 3rd, 1983, and shared 42 wonderful years of marriage doing what brought both joy. Traveling in their motor home and spending time with their family and friends were the things that brought the two of them together and so much happiness. Camping and boating at Dale Hollow Lake and Pleasant Hill Lake as well as watching late model racing at Eldora Speedway were some of their favorite and special places to travel to.
Julie always wore her heart on her sleeve and lived life “Her Way”, thinking and putting others first, always. Julie’s vibrant personality touched everyone she met. When there was a family gathering at her house, you knew there was going to be some good food, good card games, and a good time had by all!
Julie attended Ashland High School before starting a career of service to people. Working at Daughtery’s Family Restaurant, driving the school bus for Lexington Schools, and becoming an owner operator for Fed-Ex Ground. These were the foundations for her greatest passion, her care for her elderly friends and helping them maintain a clean home and beautiful gardens. Julie’s greatest joy came in her service to others.
From an early age, Julie was a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers fan and made sure that everyone knew. That passion carried over to the dirt track where her favorite driver was “Superman” Jonathan Davenport. Never one to miss a good concert, Julie loved to see her favorites regularly, Sturgill Simpson, Cody Jinks, and Ward Davis.
Julie is survived in death by her husband, Max. With love and grace, she is remembered by all her family, including mother, Joyce Hiner; children: Samantha (Ryan) Vogelsberger, Matt (Terri) Babcock, both Wooster, OH and Chris (Amelia) Babcock of North Carolina. Julie was a proud grandmother to 6 grandchildren: Ashtin, Landyn and Gavin Williams; Clover, Isabelle and Xavier Babcock. Julie and her sisters, Debbie (Bill) Leffel, Susie (David) Jackson shared a special bond and will be together again along with her brothers John (Patricia) Hiner and Jim Hiner (Cindy Edwards) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father Donald Hiner, mother and father-in-law Virginia and Robert Babcock, as well as grandparents J.P. and Edith Hiner and Pearl Norsworthy.
Julie’s wish: When you see a cardinal or butterfly believe in the sign of what that could mean, she or a loved one is near to say hello. To look at an evening sunset, and think of her smiling back with love, looking forward to Heaven.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Julie’s love for animals, the family is requesting donations be made to the Humane Society of Richland County.
The family would like to thank Hospice of The Western Reserve for their support and dedication. As well as special thank you from Max and their children to Debbie and Susie for their devoted time and love for Julie.
Per Julie’s wishes, there will be no services or calling hours. A celebration of life will be held at a later date TBD.
The Bellville Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Babcock family.
Funeral Home: Bellville Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com