Julie Kay Hargis
Julie Kay Hargis led a remarkable life filled with love, dedication to family, and a steadfast determination that defined her character until her passing on February 23, 2019, in Santa Monica, following an 11-year battle with cancer. Her doctor aptly described her as "one tough lady," recognizing her resilience in facing a challenging illness that would have tested many others. Despite the difficulties, Julie's fierce determination to be present for her family and see her young grandchildren grow up kept her fighting.
Born on November 2, 1957, in Visalia, California, she was the beloved eldest daughter of Marge and Jerry Swartzlander. Along with her parents and younger brother, Kirk, she lived in Visalia, Avenal, and then spent a long time living in Fountain Springs where her dad worked as a Battalion Chief for CDF. Julie attended Ducor school, participating in activities such as basketball and serving as class president. She was active in Ducor 4-H with cooking, sewing, and home furnishing projects.
After graduating from Porterville High School in 1975 and Porterville College in 1977, Julie began work that reflected her diverse talents and interests. Starting with McDonald's while still in high school, she and her best friend, Debbie, were part of the first crew at the Porterville McDonald’s. She worked at Embassy Fabrics & Toy World, where her passion for sewing shone through. She was a waitress at Dutch Frontier Restaurant in Ducor and spent many years working as a receptionist at Water Specialties. Later, Julie also worked for Advocacy Services at PDC.
Julie's love story with her husband, Gary Hargis, began at Water Specialties, where they both worked. Gary was struck by Julie's presence from the moment he first saw her walking through the shop. He described her as "hot stuff," a testament to his immediate attraction to her. Gary recognized her determination and regularly went into the office to assist her, seizing the opportunity to spend more time with her. His willingness to help Julie learn the ropes at work not only benefited her professional growth, but also laid the foundation for their 32 years of marriage.
Julie's true calling and greatest joy lay in her role as a devoted mother to her three daughters—Aimee, Stacy, and Jillian—and as a cherished grandmother, affectionately known as Juju, to her six grandchildren. Her love for her family was evident in every aspect of her life, from being at the hospital, anxiously waiting to welcome each new grandchild into the world (Molly 2007, Brynn 2011, Peyton 2013, Andy 2013, Luke 2013, and Madeylnn 2017) to actively participating in their milestones and celebrations, creating lasting memories with her family, even amidst her own health challenges.
Julie's generosity and selflessness extended beyond her family. She was involved in M.O.P.S., volunteered in classrooms and church activities, and served as a leader in both Girl Scouts and 4-H. Her resilience and compassion were perhaps most evident in her enduring friendship with Barbara, forged through their shared journey with breast cancer, in which they supported each other as "Breast Friends."
Throughout her life, Julie's creativity flourished, whether through sewing Halloween costumes, crafting with her children, or crocheting beautiful afghans and making rag quilts for her loved ones. Her beauty shone brightly, even in the face of health challenges, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.
Julie Kay Hargis is survived by her devoted husband, Gary Hargis; daughters Stacy (Blake) Bartlett, Jill (Doug) Pritchett, Aimee (Erik) Withrow; grandchildren Brynn and Peyton Bartlett, Luke and Madelynn Pritchett, Andy and Molly Withrow; her brother Kirk (Renae) Swartzlander; and was preceded in death by her father, Jerry Swartzlander. Her mother, Margie Swartzlander, joined her in heaven on April 4, 2024.
Julie's memory lives on through her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched with her warmth, strength, and unwavering love. She is dearly missed and forever cherished.
