Julieanne Huntsman

Julie Huntsman, age 62, of Idaho Falls, passed away January 24, 2026, surrounded by the family she so dearly loved. This marked the end of a courageous decade-long journey with early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Julie was born May 12, 1963, in Rexburg, Idaho to Virgil H. Thomson and Phyllis Bishoff Thomson Marsolek. Julie spent her youth in the Rexburg area and graduated Madison High School with the class of 1981.

In August of 1993, Julie married Merrill K. Huntsman in a beautiful lakeside ceremony in the Lemhi Mountains in Lemhi County, Idaho. They made their home in Idaho Falls, and raised three wonderful children there. As a family, they enjoyed camping, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, and fishing—activities rooted in Julie’s love for family and the outdoors. Additionally, she joyfully supported her loved ones in their individual pursuits.

Julie worked for many years at the Idaho National Laboratory, and also attended Idaho State University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Management. After her children were grown, she dedicated much of her time to charity, advocating for children in need as a certified CASA volunteer.

Those who knew Julie knew her as a devoted and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, and a treasured friend to many. She is remembered as bright, kind, sincere, selfless and joyful, with a smile that brightened every room.

In 2016, a devastating diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s brought her career to a close. She then committed the early years of her diagnosis to the Alzheimer’s Association as a spokesperson to raise awareness, increase research and support other affected families. She continued to enjoy the outdoors, horseback riding in her beloved Idaho mountains, sewing for her children and grandchildren, and gardening for as long as the disease allowed.

Julie is survived by her husband, Merrill Huntsman, son Nathan Skoyen of Chinook, Montana, daughter Brittany Garner (Jason) of Idaho Falls, daughter Nicole Rudes (Brian) of Sandy, UT, mother Phyllis Marsolek of Cottonwood, Arizona, sister Val Seeley of Idaho Falls, and brother Virgil Thomson of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; nieces Jennifer Seeley and Jamie Seeley, and nephew Tyler Peterson. She is also survived by 4 beautiful grandchildren: Sadie Grace, Eli, Lyla, and Oliver. She is preceded in death by her father Virgil, and her nephew Trevor Peterson.

In accordance with Julie’s wishes, no funeral or graveside service will be held. Coltrin Mortuary arranged for her posthumous transport to the Brain Donor Center in Salt Lake City, where she continues to contribute to Alzheimer’s research even in death. She was later returned home for cremation, per her wishes.

True to Julie’s nature, a Celebration of Life will be held at her favorite campsite in Sawmill Canyon near Howe, Idaho, on July 10, 2026. All who wish to attend are warmly invited.

The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to Lily and Syringa Assisted Living Center, Brio Hospice, Eagle Rock Health and Rehabilitation, and Mission Hospice for the compassion and support provided throughout her Alzheimer’s journey.