Julie Rae Yarrow

In Loving Memory of Julie (Judy) Rae Friederich Yarrow

Julie, born November 10, 1950 in Clay Center, Kansas, lived a life defined by compassion, kindness, and deep devotion to the people she loved. She passed away peacefully in her home in Denver, Colorado on June 7, 2026, leaving behind a legacy carried in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Julie’s early years in Clay Center/Green shaped her strong values and lifelong commitment to learning and service. A graduate of Clay Center Community High School, she continued her education at Fort Hays State University and then Kansas State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Her curiosity and dedication to personal growth led her to complete an MBA at Northern Illinois University, followed by a master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Phoenix—an achievement that reflected her calling to help others heal, grow, and feel understood. Continuing to deepen both her faith and her capacity to serve others, Julie also completed professional training as a Spiritual Director later in life, embracing a ministry of listening, discernment, and compassionate presence.

Alongside her academic and professional journey, Julie carried a lifelong love of music. She grew up playing the piano and trumpet and she sang in her church choir. Music remained a meaningful and joyful part of her life, especially through her involvement in her church community.

Her journey took her to Aurora/Yorkville, Illinois, where she lived for 10 years, before making her home in Phoenix, Arizona. It was there that she spent nearly four decades building a life rooted in both community and professional purpose. Later in life, she briefly relocated to Denver, Colorado. In all the places she lived, Julie carried with her a steady warmth and kindness that made each new community feel like home to those around her.

Julie devoted her professional life to walking alongside others through life's joys, struggles, and transitions. As a family and marriage counselor, she had a rare ability to listen without judgment and to offer guidance with patience, empathy, and wisdom. Later, as a professionally trained Spiritual Director, she accompanied individuals on their faith journeys, creating a welcoming space for reflection, healing, and spiritual growth. Whether offering counseling or spiritual guidance, Julie's gentle presence and compassionate heart touched countless individuals, couples, and families, many of whom found comfort, hope, and clarity through her thoughtful care.

Faith played a meaningful role in her life. Julie was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, and her beliefs were reflected in the quiet ways she showed up for others—with generosity, humility, and compassion. Her work as a Spiritual Director was a natural extension of the faith she lived each day,

Above all else, Julie’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt whose love was steady, unconditional, and deeply felt. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she delighted in every moment spent with them. Her life was defined not only by what she did, but by how she made others feel—valued, supported, and deeply cared for.

Those who knew her remember her for her extraordinary kindness, her thoughtful nature, and the quiet strength she carried through life. Her presence brought warmth and comfort, and she had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, loved, and heard.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Armin and Marjorie Friederich of Green, Kansas. She is survived by her sons (Nathan and Joshua), her cherished grandchildren (Jeannette, Angelica, Kaylynn, and Calliope), her brother (Randy) and sister (Marla), her former husband (Robert) with whom she remained close, several loving nieces and nephews, and many friends in all the places that she lived. Though her absence is deeply felt, the love she gave so freely continues to live on in all who knew her.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, August 8, at Washington Park United Methodist Church in Denver, Colorado. A Celebration of Life will follow at her brother's family house in Arvada, Colorado. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Julie and to honor and celebrate the remarkable woman that she was and life she lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arizona Humane Society in Julie’s memory, to honor her love of companion animals that brought great joy throughout her life.