Julie Ellen Dunham Schneider

Julie Ellen Dunham Schneider, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2024, at the age of 81. She will be remembered for her giving nature, fun-loving spirit, and dedication to her family.

Born on January 29, 1943, in Urbana, IL, Julie later made her home in Grand Prairie, TX. Throughout her life, Julie had a wide range of hobbies that brought her joy, including sewing, embroidery, quilting, baking, and traveling. She delighted in sharing her skills with others, often teaching them her crafts. She was especially excited to teach her daughters Kimberly and Stacy and granddaughters Lila, Landry, and Laney sewing and quilting skills. 

When three family members were diagnosed with celiac disease, she saw that as a challenge to transform all of the family recipes to gluten free. She even developed her own flour blend which works spectacularly in holiday baking which was very important to her. She also supported others in the celiac community, using her dietary expertise to teach and mentor. 

Julie and Richard loved to travel making their way around the world visiting five continents. Julie had a particular love for Tex-Mex food which was often the first stop after arriving back from a trip. During 58 years of marriage, she enjoyed a nightly cocktail hour including appetizers with her husband, Richard. 

Julie dedicated her professional career to providing dietary services in long-term care facilities. She spent her entire career in this field, starting at Morningstar Manor where she met lifelong friends, Jess and Ethel Harbert. Afterward, Julie founded her own consulting firm, assisting long-term care facilities with their dietary needs. She later worked at Senior Care Consultants for 25 years before retiring at the age of 65. Even in retirement, Julie continued to share her knowledge by facilitating online classes for SureQuest, a dietary menu software company.

She loved attending the American Dietetic Association annual conferences, continuing to attend even after retirement. 

Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Milan Dunham and Joan Dunham (Van Horn); and her brother, Michael Dunham. 

As a military wife to Major Richard Lee Schneider, Julie supported her husband throughout their life together. They were married in 1965, and together they raised their three children: Kimberly Schneider (Bradley), Stacy Schneider, and Jason Schneider (Lesley). Julie took great pride in being a devoted and adoring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren Jacob Pierce (Madeleine and Wolfgang), Nathan Pierce (Vanessa), Lila, Landry, and Laney were the light of her life.

Julie's impact on the lives of others was significant. She inspired others to learn and become the best versions of themselves. Julie also volunteered her time at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Grand Prairie, and Cook Children’s hospital in Fort Worth demonstrating her commitment to service.

A visitation and Rosary will be held on July 24, 2024, from 5:30 to 7 P.M. at Emerald Hills Funeral Home & Memorial Park (500 Kennedale Sublett Rd, Kennedale, TX 76060).

The Funeral Mass will be held on July 25, 2024, at 10 A.M. at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church.