Julie Anne VanVorst, born September 12, 1970, in Sturgis, passed away on August 2, 2026, at Beacon Hospital Kalamazoo after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 55.

Julie’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family and her exceptional work ethic. A proud graduate of Sturgis High School, class of 1987, she embodied the values of perseverance and commitment from an early age—traits that continued to shine throughout her life.

Those who knew Julie were consistently touched by her devotion as a mother and her steadfast love for her family. As a mother to Keshia (Cody Acker) Roberts and Trent Roberts, Julie instilled in her children the principles of integrity and kindness. Her nurturing spirit extended to her grandchildren—Aubrey, Alexzander, Luccas, Leon, Elizabeth, Aaron, Marri, Bradley, Vivian, Thomas, Milho, Naome, Paige, Betty, and Blake —for whom she was a dedicated and loving “Nana.” Her role as a grandmother was one she cherished deeply, and her guidance and affection will have a lasting impact on their lives.

Julie is also survived by her life partner Greg Roberts, sister, Brittany Taylor; her mother, Kathy Shipe; her step-father, Richard Shipe; her uncle, Steven Frederick VanVorst, and her aunts, Beverly Jean Fenwick, Cheryl Ann VanVorst, and Vicki Lou Littlejohn. Each of these family members carries forward Julie’s legacy of warmth, strength, and loyalty.

Julie’s memory is shared and honored within a closely-knit family, even as she reunites in rest with those who preceded her in death: her father, Michael Lee VanVorst; her uncles, Walter Fenwick, Leslie "Jake" VanVorst Jr., Dale Eugene VanVorst, Gary Lynn VanVorst; mother-in-law, Judith Bauder; Grandma Mary Elizabeth VanVorst; Grandma King, Grandpa Leslie Frederick VanVorst; and Grandpa King.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Julie’s life at a memorial service to be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Schipper Funeral Home Ltd, 308 S Blackstone Ave, Colon, MI 49040. Interment will follow at noon at Lakeside Cemetery, 57368 North Farrand Road, Colon, MI 49040.

Julie Anne VanVorst’s tireless devotion, generosity, and love for her family have made an indelible mark on all who knew her. She will be remembered for both her strength in the face of adversity and the kindness she showed to all whose lives she touched.