LAGRANGE – Julie Irene Kilty (Gardner) passed in the comfort of her home near LaGrange shortly after the sunset faded from her view of Mount 66.
The word most often used to describe Julie was “classy.” Evident in every area of her life from the way she dressed in timeless elegance to the grace and professionalism she brought to her work. Whether engaging with friends, board members, customers, or business partners, Julie carried herself with integrity, warmth and quiet confidence.
Born in Belle Fourche to Edwin and Irene Gardner, Julie grew up on her grandfather’s homestead near Hammond, Montana. The youngest of five, her seat at the dinner table was second in line, right next to her dad, which was lucky, as it ensured she got her share before her big brothers could beat her to it. When the meal was finished, Julie was quick on her feet, often racing off to her treehouse; an expertly timed escape that just happened to coincide with dish duty. Those early years on the ranch with mentorship from her family, Julie learned many skills with lifelong love for family and home that would continuously thread through her life. Family was a consistent theme in Julie’s life as an adult with many vacations planned around visiting family. She had a very special bond with her parents and siblings: visiting them often in Belle Fourche and across Montana.
In 1978, Julie married her college sweetheart, Kerry Kilty, moving to LaGrange in 1984. She raised two sons, was active in several community organizations, and founded many businesses over the years. Some of the most notable include the Broker Real Estate Guide (1989-present), a founding member of the LaGrange-Bear Creek Community Library (1992), and Farm Girls Boutique (2011-2019). After the passing of Kerry in 2004, Julie was forced to demonstrate her grit and business savvy; actively maintaining the ranch, a hotel and restaurant, a magazine and several partnerships; all while navigating creditors and mourning the loss of her husband.
In later years, Julie enjoyed serving as a board of director for local and regional organizations: Wyrulec, Economic Development, EWC, Tri-state Generation, Wyoming Rural Electric Association (WREA) and Mid-West Electric Consumers Association. She enjoyed advocating for her communities, helping executives make hard decisions and educating law makers. In Julie’s entrepreneurial endeavors and board seats, she hired many capable men and women: empowered them, relied on them and in many cases, they became some of her closest friends.
In 2007, a new chapter opened when Julie remarried Dave Bartlett and inherited the Bartlett family whom she adored. Dave and Julie often traveled to visit family all across the country, and Julie had said on several occasions that she was twice blessed in love with two wonderful husbands.
In 2013, Julie became a grandma. She delighted in spending time with her grandkids: cooking them her famous spaghetti, playing dress-up and cards, watching them put on comedy shows, taking them on shopping trips, and passing on the life skills she held so dearly. It is impossible, in short form, to capture Julie’s essence, the impressive nature of her accomplishments, and the impact that she had on her family and community. She will be missed, but her legacy will continue through those she has loved, mentored, and inspired.
Preceded in death by her parents Ed and Irene Gardner (Lakson); husband Kerry Kilty; sister-in-law Patricia Gardner (Phillips) and nephew Geoffrey Gardner.
Survived by her husband David Bartlett; siblings, Sue Anne (JR) Iman of Hamilton, Montana, Dave Gardner of Ashland, Montana, Doug (Kerry) Gardner of Broadus, Montana and Greg (Lynn) Gardner of Polson, Montana; sons Brennan (Amanda) Kilty of Bozeman and Kyle (Taryn) Kilty of LaGrange; bonus daughters Julia (Aron) Bartlett of Lakewood, Colorado and Liz (Jorge) Valverde-Bartlett of Cheyenne; grandkids, Zoey, Lakson, Kerry, and Eli Kilty, Julia, Izzy, and Eloisa Bartlett.
Julie was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Scottsbluff.
A celebration of life is planned for 10 a.m., February 16, on the ranch with the Reverend April Fiet presiding. All are welcome. Bar X Ranch 4569 Road 22 LaGrange, Wyoming 82221.
Memorials may be made in Julie’s name to the LaGrange-Bear Creek Unity Association in support of the Library or the EWC Annual fund (please specify student scholarships).
The Colyer Funeral Home assisted with arrangements and condolences may be made to the family at www.colyerfuneralhome.com.
