Julee Ann Brady

Julee Ann Pugmire Brady, 63, rode peacefully away to heavenly pastures on August 22, 2020, from her home that she lived in for 25 years, surrounded by her eternal companion of 43 years and their five children.

Julee was born on February 19, 1957, to Glenn and June Pugmire in Murray, UT. Her parents had such an enthusiasm and zest for life, each other, and the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was one of six beloved children: Don Pugmire, Robyn Stone, Mark Pugmire, Brent Pugmire and Marcee Alston.

Glenn worked for Amoco Oil and they moved multiple times in her youth, which laid the foundation for her ability to meet and connect with strangers and instantly make them lifelong friends. That helped Julee grow into the charming and charismatic person we all know and love. From an early age, she had a passion for horses, the outdoors, fashion, animals and being with her family and friends.

Julee graduated from Jordan High as an honor roll student, a student council member and a ZCMI Youngtimer. She then attended Dixie College in St. George, UT, where she was Student Body Class Secretary, the Fashion Board chairman (coordinating the Dixie College fashion shows) and made the high honor roll.

Her life was forever changed at the young age of 18 when she met the football-playing cowboy, Patrick Thomas Brady Jr. On the first day of registration, Pat saw Julee and felt heavenly intuition and told his friends, “That’s the girl I am going to marry.” That comment was the catalyst that led to their marriage on February 4, 1977, and a 43-year romance that only grew stronger as time passed, and will continue into eternity.

Pat and Julee moved to the sunny state of Arizona in 1977 where Pat worked in construction with Julee’s brother, Mark Pugmire. That led to a distinguished career in building fine custom homes for over 40 years, as Pat and Julee worked side by side successfully growing Customs West Inc. In addition to being an exceptional “domestic engineer,” Julee was also a real estate agent and modeled with both Bobby Ball Talent and Signature agencies. It was there that she developed some of her most cherished friendships that continued throughout her life.

She and her handsome cowboy created a happy home and filled their days with hard work and family time. They especially enjoyed fishing, camping with the horses, rodeos and horse rides throughout scenic Arizona. They loved the summertime with family in Midway, UT and Reno, NV. Frequently they also enjoyed hosting family and friend gatherings, weekly date nights, church activities, rodeo queen pageants and school programs (football games, track meets, chorus concerts, cheerleading competitions and volunteering on field trips and in Art Masterpiece).

She was influential in many arenas in her life and won a series of titles and community honors such as America’s Perfect Couple (1992), Mrs. Arizona (1994), Community Heroes Award, Kicking Up Kindness Life Time award and the VMLC Veterans Appreciation Award.

The horse fever started at the young age of 13 when she purchased her first horse, and it continued to shape how she gave back to her community; she loved bringing the welcome sound of horse hooves to various communities and charities. She has served in the Gilbert Promotional Corporation for decades and did an immense amount of community work, including helping to put on the Gilbert Days Rodeo. She also pioneered the Kick’N Up Kindness program which continues today.

Julee was also the founder of the Cowgirls Historical Foundation, which celebrates the talents and camaraderie of the western past, and brings us to an increased knowledge for the present. The non-profit equestrian and community group was honored to participate in events such as the Equestfest and Rose Parade, where Julee rode for many years. They also were featured on RFD-TV and other media outlets for the impression they left with their community service and equestrian performances.

Of greater importance than those accomplishments was what she accomplished with her family and her faith. One of the ways she shared her devotion to God was by serving in various capacities for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, such as in ward and stake presidencies, a Sunday school teacher and as a Cub Scout leader. Her testimony was so deeply rooted in our Savior. Her children will echo that she was intentional in everything she did and her greatest goal was to love and uplift others because she was motivated by her enduring testimony and by our Savior’s love.

Julee Pugmire is preceded in death by her parents Glenn and June Pugmire, her siblings Brent Pugmire and Marcee Pugmire, who both passed away last year, and her granddaughter Ireland Riggs.

Her beautiful life will be forever cherished in the hearts and lives of her husband Pat Brady and her five children, their spouses, and her 21 (and counting) grandchildren: Shanda and Don Riggs family (Kennadee, Brady, Raylen, Isaac, Ireland, Quinn, Rockford), Marjon and Jonathan Brown family (Bradyn, Jace, Brynlee, Kayson, Kavan), Kelsee and Colter Bradshaw family (Bryton, Cager, Lizee Jo, Beauchene), Kellan and Natalie Brady family (Dean, Truman, Mabel) and Taryn and Rick Hale family (Patrick, Ellis).

In lieu of flowers, and if desired, Julee’s family encourages others to do a good deed for someone else, a “Jul-deed.” Or you can donate to a charity of your choice supporting our military or first responders. We would love to hear about your Jul-deeds, so feel free to email them to JuleeBradyLegacy@gmail.com . Julee’s mission on earth was to spread kindness wherever she could in her sphere of influence, so it is fitting to celebrate her life in that way.

Viewing and Funeral details:

Viewing: Tuesday, September 1, 2020, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,

3344 E McDowell Rd.

Mesa, AZ 85213

(open to the public)

Funeral: Wednesday, September 2, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,

3344 E McDowell Rd

Mesa, AZ 85213

(as a result of Covid restrictions, this service is by invitation only but can be streamed live at the following link) https://youtu.be/m-myN7EoyO4