Spirit Room

Celebration of Life

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Join us for a Celebration of Julie Perkins Life

We hope that you can join us on Thursday, April 7 from 2 to 4 pm.  Most locals knew Julie, she was a bit of a fixture in Jerome.  Sometimes seen smoking a cigarette while seated on the metal bench in front of the Connor Hotel.  Many stories abound and we hope that you can make some time and share your Julie Perkins story with us.


“I remember a time when I was hosting open mic and would be opening the evening, playing a few tunes on my piano.  Julie loved the sound of the piano and was hoping to show up for the first bit of open mic.  She reminded me, however, that no proper lady would enter a bar alone, so I would need to arrange an escort to walk her in to the Spirit Room.  She will be missed.”
RonnoPiano


Julie Perkins Obituary

Tall, slim, reminiscent of Lauren Bacall, Julie Vihel Perkins had her own distinct wit, total recall of old Arizona lineage and an incomparable flair!

She is no more……..Room #1, on reserve for her at the Connor Hotel is now available. The Jerome Fire Chief won’t need to take her to the station in the hot summer to get her into the air conditioning, she has moved on, the Verde Valley is missing an icon. She died right around happy hour on Thursday October 21, 2021, after suffering a stroke.

Born at the old St. Josephs Hospital in Phoenix, because on April 7, 1940 the city of Tempe had no hospital, Julie grew up on 5th Street in Tempe, under the shadow of the Tempe Buttes. After graduating from Tempe Union High School, a proud Buffalo, she was elected Arizona Jr. Miss and represented our state in the Azalea Festival in Mississippi, where she won the title of Miss Congeniality! Julie attended university in Hawaii and Mexico City.

She returned to her home state where she married well and often and raised her children, daughter Liesl and son Matthew.

Julie had an eye for detail, a penchant for education, and a charitable heart. Instrumental in founding Hospice of the Valley with many in her tennis group and often flying mercy health missions to the Navajo reservation, her competency and compassion were a part of her being, along with a quick wit, total recall, and the ability to upon occasion, swear like a sailor!

In last chapter of her life she moved from Paradise Valley to the Verde Valley and took up residence in the town of Jerome in the charming home left to her by her Grandmother. Her friends in Jerome became a part of her family, and were special to her.

She is survived by her children: Liesl (Robert) Bogar, Matthew (Susan) Veazey, and grandchildren, Nate, Riley, Emma, Helen and Eli. Her brothers Dick and Mike (Jennifer) and sister Pamela Vihel.