Julie Ann vanBelle, aged 51, died surrounded by her family on Jan. 18, 2015. Julie was born July 21, 1963 in Medford, the daughter of Patty Pangburn and the late Warren Gossman.

Julie and her sister Gina grew up in the Central Point area where her love and passion for horses was instilled at an early age.

Julie married Glen vanBelle 34 years ago at the Liberty Grange in Joseph and they made their home in Wallowa County. Glen and Julie had two sons, Joe and Jimmy, and Julie devoted her life to her family. Julie spent countless hours passing her adoration for horses down not only to her own sons, but to countless Wallowa County youth. An admirable nine years were spent co-founding and running the Blue Ridge Riders 4-H horse group. Julie also served as President of the Northwest Quarter Horse Association in Walla Walla, Wash. Free weekends were often spent traveling to shows with her beloved horse Red. Together they brought home many ribbons, trophies, and High Point Awards.

When Julie wasn’t horseback, she could be found spending time with her family. Whenever possible she would travel to Joe or Jimmy’s to spend time with their families. Julie’s grandchildren held a special place in her heart. Whenever they spent time together, Julie always had activities planned and the memories they made will be treasured forever.

Julie is survived by her husband, Glen; mother, Patty Pangburn; sister, Gina Gossman; son, Joe (wife Lindsey); son, Jimmy (wife Alexa); and grandchildren, Claira and Carter.

A service in Julie’s honor will be held in Enterprise on June 20 at the Cloverleaf Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Wallowa County Horse 4-H program.