Julie M. Wheeler Hart
Julie was taken home by the creator on December 22, 2016, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. Julie was met by her parents Timothy R.Wheeler Sr. ; Delores Lookingglass Wheeler and grandparents Harry & Ida Wheeler; David Lookingglass and Helen Hayes. Julie was born December 8, 1952 in Phoenix Arizona. Julie lived in Kamiah until she became ill and resided at Prestige Care Rehabilitation Center. Julie was a teacher for Nez Perce Tribe Headstart Program when it began serving the Nez Perce Children. Julie was employed several years with Kamiah School District, JOM Indian Education Program, until illness forced her retirement. While at the Kamiah School District, Julie encouraged her students to further their education, and many of her former students kept in contact with Julie and appreciated her support. Julie was also instrumental in starting grief counseling for students following a tragic death of a student. Julie was graduate of Kamiah High School Class of 1971. Julie was an avid KUB fan and attended Kub athletic events and supported the Delores L. Wheeler, Kubs Pay to Play program. Julie enjoyed sharing her Nimiipuu Culture and history as she was employed by the Park Service at the Heart of the Monster site in Kamiah. While at the Heart of the Monster, Julie demonstrated her skill of making Corn Husk bags while sharing Nimiipuu Legends. Julie was active in the community and was longtime participate and former President of the Chief Lookingglass Pow-wow Committee. Julie was a historian of the Nimiipuu, sharing many stories and teaching. Julie was very helpful when young people wanted to join the pow-wow circle; as she would help them with their regalia. Julie was soft spoken, jokester, humorous, and always had a good joke to share and made friends quickly. Julie was kind-hearted and always had a smile on her face. Julie especially enjoyed the Nimiipuu Prayer Warriors when they would come visit her and her young sister Della (Stormy) Wheeler at Prestige. Julie's enjoyed picking huckleberries, root digging and hunting. Julie is preceded in death by her parents; grandparents (listed above) and a brother Alex Wheeler. Julie is survived by her daughters, Ellisa Kimberly Hart of Lewiston; Danica Natasha Hart of Kamiah; Julie helped raise her nephew and niece David & Tana Wheeler; seven grandchildren, Avianna Vasquez; Maria Vasquez; Julio Zarate-Cruz; Franciso Zarate Cruz; Pedro Zarate-Cruz of Kamiah and August & Nikola Vasrosky of Lewiston; seven siblings, Timothy (Al) & Julia Wheeler of Lapwai; Della (Stormy) Wheeler of Lewiston; Marilyn & Randy Bowen; Nancy Wheeler; Angela & Darryle Broncheau; Dallon & Paula Wheeler and Darrell Wheeler all of Kamiah. Julie's final services were held December 27th at Second Indian Presbyterian Church with burial at Second Presbyterian Church cemetery in Kamiah under the direction of Trenary Funeral Home in Kooskia and Julie's lifelong friend Verla (Jackson) Wright.
Julie Hart, 64 of Kamiah, ID died December 22, 2016