Kokomo - Julie Elizabeth Downhour, 54, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at 9:12 a.m.

She was born on Dec. 16, 1970, in Logansport, Indiana, to William Dean and Dinah Sue (Gilliland) Downhour.

A dedicated student and professional, Julie graduated from Kokomo High School in 1989. She earned an Associate's Degree in Computer Science from Purdue University in 1991, and another in Information Systems from Indiana University in 1993. In 2005, she became a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Julie applied her expertise as a project manager for American Trans Air, St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis and Elwood's technology department.

Julie was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Alpha Chi, the National College Honor Scholarship Society. She found joy in traveling, attending the Indy 500 with friends, walking, cross-stitching during quiet moments and spending time on the water. A devoted animal lover, Julie adopted four cherished cats—Squeaky, Molly, Gracie and Grace—and volunteered at the Kokomo Humane Society. She also enjoyed shopping and giving back to her community.

Julie is survived by her mother, Dinah Sue Downhour; aunts, Sheila L. Gilliland, Debra (Gilliland) Niedzielski and Dianna (Logan) Gilliland; cousins, Steve Gilliland and Holly (Niedzielski) Huss (Mark); and second cousins, Connor Huss, Cameron Huss and Pyper Huss.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Dean Downhour; grandparents, Howard Allen and Eris Arlene Gilliland and James and Crystabelle Downhour; and uncle, Michael Howard Gilliland.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Kristen Schmid officiating. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. in Kewanna Cemetery in Kewanna, Indiana. Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kokomo Humane Society. Messages of condolence can be shared online at www.shirleyandstout.com.