Julie Anna (Reinhart) Rodgers

Julie Anna (Reinhart) Rodgers, 66, of Kankakee, IL, passed away in her home, Saturday, June 29, 2024 surrounded by loved ones after a yearlong battle with cancer. Julie was born February 27, 1958, in Warren, OH to John David Reinhart and Uella Bell (Youngblood) Reinhart, both proceeded her in death. Julie grew up in Pennsylvania with her six siblings David (Linda) Paul Reinhart, Anita Rose Templeton, Helen Louise Healy, Susan Lynne Reinhart, Clifford (Vicki) Wayne Reinhart, and Paul (Tess) William Reinhart. Julie later moved to Kankakee, IL where she met Eddie Glen Rodgers and his son James Eddie Rodgers. Eddie and Julie started their forever lives together on September 19, 1981. Shortly after their marriage began, Julie became pregnant with her daughter, Mary (Steven) Anne Shuck. Julie truly enjoyed being a wife and mother, giving all of herself to her family. Ten years later, her time as full-time homemaker ended when she returned to the workforce as a part time substitute in the Kankakee School District. She fell in love with helping children learn and went on to become a full-time paraprofessional in 1998. Julie was known as “Miss Rodgers” to many young hearts and minds and has been said to have been a joy to work with by many of her friends and colleagues. Julie retired in 2020 with hopes and dreams to spend more time traveling with her husband Eddie and enjoying life. Unfortunately, due to unavoidable circumstances, mixed with a surprise diagnosis in 2023, that dream will not occur. Julie was a member of First Assembly of God in Kankakee, IL. She loved singing and playing the violin, both in her church and at home. Julie was an avid book reader, with a large collection of varies titles. Julie had a green thumb and a passion for gardening. For her, planting seeds and pulling weeds was therapeutic and a step towards the beautiful end results of her colorful garden. Julie’s interests also included drawing, coloring, puzzles, and sipping sweet tea. Julie’s second home was in Mountain View, Arkansas where her and Eddie enjoyed meeting new people and listening to bluegrass music in the summers. Julie spent approximately 10 years visiting the area. Julie was affectionately known as “Nana” to seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Maranda Sue Star Brattin, Bryanna (Ethan) Renee Whitman, Summer (Dalton) Jade Spry, Destiny Anne Rodgers, Jacob Scott Shuck, Michael James Maguire, Ravenna Star Conner, Asher William Whitman, and Isaac Michael Coppock. Julie found great joy in her grandchildren, pouring into them with love and wisdom. Her consistent support and acceptance will continue to strengthen her family and will be a foundation for future generations. When Julie was diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer in June 2023, she was determined to fight. Although her diagnosis was terminal, her faith never wavered. Julie found her hope in the LORD and was determined to share that hope with anyone she came across at Riverside Cancer Clinic. She was always a delight to be around and had a way of making the nursing staff and patients smile with a joy that will forever be remembered. Julie’s physical body may no longer be visible on the Earth, but her memory will last forever. Julie would want to tell anyone who reads this “All is Good” … in the darkest of places, she never wanted anyone to worry for her. She only hoped that she would be able to be a light to someone else, assisting them out of their own darkest places. In memory of Julie Anna Rodgers, please consider making a donation to Cancer Care for Riverside Healthcare. Julie’s prayer would be that her battle would not end without helping someone else win theirs. Give Online to Kankakee & Bourbonnais, Illinois (IL), Riverside Healthcare at https://www.riversidehealthcare.org/ways-to-give/riverside-foundation/give-online Visitation will be held at Jensen Funeral Home located at, 3639 E. State Rt. 17, Kankakee, IL 60901, on July 6, 2024, starting at 2 pm until the memorial service at 4 pm, officiated by Pastor Ted Brown. A graveside funeral will be held at a later date, at Fluorine Cemetery in Rosiclare, IL