Juli Murphy-Nelson

Juli, a well-loved relative, friend and neighbor to many; passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at her home on Rapid Lightning Rd, with family and friends present. Viewing for family and friends will be held from 2-5pm on Saturday, April 28th at Coffelt’s Chapel, located at 109 N. Division Ave in Sandpoint. Memorial services will be held on May 5th at 2pm at the Sandpoint United Methodist Church; located at 711 Main St. in Sandpoint. Pastor Stan Norman will be officiating. The family requests that any memorial donations be given in Juli’s name to the Sandpoint Senior Citizens Center (820 Main St. Sandpoint, Idaho 83864). Juli was born in Spokane, Washington on October 17, 1962 to Virginia (Saunders) Inman and John Murphy. At age 2, the family moved back to Sandpoint, Idaho. Juli’s parents divorced in 1965. Virginia married William (Bill) Inman, and he raised Juli as his own. Juli attended elementary, junior high, and high school in Sandpoint, graduating in 1981. In the late 1970’s, Juli began her career as a cook by working part-time for the Cox Family at the 5th Ave. Restaurant (formerly Travelers) and as a chef at the Edgewater. After two surgeries, Juli had a career change and went to school at North Idaho College to learn Computing/Accounting/Bookkeeping. She used her skills to provide services to many individuals and local businesses over the years, working for NW Auto Body, Ice House Pizza, Route 66 Auto Body and most recently at the Sandpoint Senior Citizen Center. Juli had endless hobbies and talents. She was gifted in anything that she set her mind to, perfecting her skills to create unique and beautiful items. Her hobbies included gardening, rock-hounding, jewelry making, photography, flower arranging and cutting glass to create stepping stones, bird baths and garden benches, etc. Juli was a talented entrepreneur and was always willing to learn something new and do it to the best of her ability. She used her skills to create special gifts for her family and friends and many people in the community. Juli worked closely with her Uncle Donny Murphy at Michigan Green House. In 1981, Juli gave birth to her first son, TJ Fort. In 1983, she met Robert Nelson Jr., her soul mate, best friend and forever love. Two more sons were born; Michael Nelson, born in 1989 and Christopher Nelson, born in 1992. In 2003, TJ blessed his mom and dad with their first grandchild, Bryce Fort, and recently announced the upcoming birth of their granddaughter, McKenzie Juliann Fort, to be born in August of 2012. On April 21st 2012, Juli and Bob were united in marriage at their home in Sandpoint. Juli and her family loved their life in Sandpoint, raising their children to love the beauty of Idaho and the outdoor lifestyle in this area. As a family, they enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and boating. Large and spontaneous barbeques and gatherings with family and friends were a common occurrence. The whole family loved to fish and have “mama” cook up a feast for all to enjoy! Bob and Juli were actively involved in their son’s lives; encouraging them in school and in their pursuit of their interests and talents. They always provided a welcome home to their son’s friends, and Juli always welcomed them with a hearty meal! Juli is survived by her husband Bob Nelson, son TJ Fort and Amy Nielsen of Spokane; sons Michael Nelson and Christopher Nelson of Sandpoint; mother Virginia Inman, father John Murphy; brothers and sisters Gordon Murphy and Wally Inman of Sandpoint; Robert Inman of Tacoma, Wa; Nila Inman of Usk, Wa; grandchildren Bryce Fort and future granddaughter McKenzie Juliann Fort, due in Aug 2012; father-in-law Robert Nelson Sr. of Sandpoint; mother-in-law Linda Austin of Gig Harbor, Wa; Uncles and Aunts Donny Murphy of Costa Rica; Ruthie Bell and Ann Saunders of Kentucky; Byrl Wallen of Boise, Idaho; Edward and Janice Murphy of Post Falls, Idaho; sisters-in-law Cheryl Bourg and Suzanne Lipp of Seattle, Wa; Nieces and Nephews Sarah, Courie Lynn, Shawn, Jeremy, Jennifer, Alana, Deborah and Kristi. Juli was preceded in death by her stepfather William Inman; mother-in-law Millie Nelson; grandparents Perry and Bessie Saunders and Frank and Anna Murphy; Aunts and Uncles Kenneth Saunders, Sue Saunders and George Saunders. In addition to her immediate family, Juli was sister, mom, nana, and auntie to many; including Lori, Lyle, Stephanie, Steven, John, Janel and Justin Belgarde; Jodi, Clint, Megan, Autumn and Chandler Brewington; Samantha and Addilyn Morikawa; Denise, Bruce, Jason Anderson and Shannon Smith; Pat, Jessica, David, Natalie, Makala and Annalee Rachels; Heather Binder and family; and many others too numerous to list. Juli had an enormous heart for people and friends easily became family with Juli! Juli was loved and will be missed by many. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Juli’s close friends who helped to care for and love her until the end. The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, or touched, but are felt in the heart. Helen Keller Juli, you will forever be in our hearts...