Julee Pat Kirkpatrick

Julee Pat Kirkpatrick, 72, of Austin, Colorado, passed away on December 26, 2025. She was born in Crescent City, California, to Billy Pat Upton and Billie Rhoads Upton Bowen.

As an Army brat, Julee grew up alongside her three siblings—Charlann (Tom) Morris, Mark (Bernice) Upton, and Susan Upton—all of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Randolph High School in Texas before marrying Bobby Norris, her first husband. During that time, she worked as a phone operator in Saudi Arabia and welcomed her first child, Emily Renee (Bill) Griffin of South Carolina.

Later, Julee had three more children: Beau (Kelley) Norris of Cedaredge, and two daughters from her marriage to John Davis Kirkpatrick—Angela Faye Kirkpatrick of Aurora and Summer Helen (Major Cody) McBroom of Georgia. Julee and John shared nearly 42 years of marriage before his passing.

Julee is survived by all four of her children and her beloved grandchildren: Kyle Alward; Taylor (Daniel) Thayer; Kristen (Timothy) Stillwell; Hunter (Leilani) Walters; Wyatt McBroom, as well as three great-grandchildren.

Julee lived a vibrant and adventurous life. She held countless roles—waitress, security guard, substitute teacher, CNA, activities director, phlebotomist, and farmer’s wife. Her early life took her around the world, including Spain and Greece, but her heart was happiest exploring nature from the back of a horse. Some of her favorite memories were horseback camping trips with her sisters.

She loved telling tall tales, playing cards, Scrabble, and singing with a voice that could light up a room. Julee had a flair for getting “gussied up” and felt beautiful when all dolled up. Known for her quick wit and sharp tongue, she kept everyone on their toes and passed down her love of sarcasm to her children but forgot how to decipher it in her later years.

Julee had a big heart, a bold spirit, and a love for bright colors and anything that sparkled.

Services will be held at Cowboy At The Cross, 21573 Austin Road, on January 10th at 11:00 a.m. Donations may be made to Cowboy At The Cross or Heirlooms for Hospice in her memory.