Julia Gertrude Kuykendall was born April 3,1944 in Sidney, Montana, to parents Lars and Marie Leivestad. She grew up on a farm in Savage, Montana with her parents and four siblings. Julia loved to be the big sister and enjoyed being left in charge of her siblings. She learned to play piano and discovered a talent for playing by ear. Singing and playing piano was something that she loved her whole life.

After graduating from high school, she began to work at the Wheel Inn. She loved making their special chocolate drop frosted cookies. It was while working that she caught the eye of Ronald Brown. So began their love story. They were married on April 28, 1963. Soon after, Ron requested that she make bread. Julia’s mother had tried to teach her, but she had insisted that she would never need to know how. She would buy bread. Julia tried and ended up calling her mother, who taught her how. She continued to make bread every Saturday for years. Ron and Julia were blessed with six children. They were a close family who could often be found singing together. Julia always said that she wanted a dozen children. Her wish was finally granted when all of her children were married! In 2003, Julia lost her beloved Ron. They had been married for 40 years.

Julia was blessed to find her second love, Butch Kuykendall. They were married on April 14, 2007. Once again, Julia and Butch created a life filled with family and music. They traveled to Mississippi, Colorado, Arizona and Boston. In 2017 Julia and Butch built their dream home with a wrap-around porch. They hosted family and friends from everywhere, including Norway! Grandchildren loved spending the night. Julia played with her grandchildren with a boundless energy. Julia and Butch were married for 17 years.

Accepting Jesus as her Lord and Savior, Julia spent her life witnessing to others and being a wonderful example to everyone who knew her. She was a founding member of the Sidney Lutheran Brethren Church. She also served as the Sunday School Superintendent. She was a wonderful baker and cook who always had homemade treats waiting for her kids when they got off the school bus. Julia loved sewing matching outfits for her children. Julia loved gardening and canning. She led a full life that included not only being a stay-at-home mom but later she worked at the grain elevator as a bookkeeper and sold Avon, Watkins and FullerBrush. Julia loved writing and receiving letters. She was known to be the family historian and had a wonderful memory. She always had time to listen and gave the best advice. She enjoyed visiting and was very sociable. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will always cherish their special time with her.

Julia passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024, surrounded by her family, listening to
a song that she loved to dance to.

Julia is survived by her husband, Butch Kuykendall, Cartwright, ND; sons, Larry (Lynn) Brown, Casa Grande, Arizona and Wade (Jenny) Brown, Cartwright, ND; daughters, Debbie (Ron) Norby, Fairview, MT, Anita (Justin) Karst, Fairview, MT, Wanda (Travis) Menefee, Centennial, CO, and Wendy (Chad) Sundheim, Fairview, MT; grandsons, Dillon (Helen Soh) Karst, Chandler, Michael and Tony Norby, and Gavin Brown; granddaughters Desireé and Cali Norby, Amy and Ashley Karst, Courtney and Lauren Menefee, Emily, Hannah and Sophie Sundheim, and Brielle Brown; great-grandsons, Leo and Liam Balcer; brother, Jerry (Cindy) Leivestad; sisters, Helen Conradsen and Lori Sabol; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents Lars and Marie Leivestad, her husband Ronald
Brown, and brother Elvin Leivestad.

She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.