Julie Blankschein Hilbish, 84, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away at Miller's Health and Rehab on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

Julie was born on October 19, 1940, in La Porte, IN, to Charles and Irene (Kemp) Blankschein.

On January 26, 1963, in La Porte, IN, she married Thomas Hilbish, who survives. Also surviving are her daughters, Jennifer Hilbish of Cincinnati, OH, and Katherine Hilbish of La Porte; sister, Susan (Dan) Wineholt of La Porte; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Julie graduated from Butler University and then went to Purdue University for her master's degree in education.  She was a teacher in Alabama, Step Ahead Preschool, and substituted for La Porte School Corporation.  For many years, Julie worked with her husband at Hilbish Drug, Toy Parade, and The Gift Box in Logansport.

Julie was a member of the First United Methodist Church of La Porte, where she sang in the choir and played the handbells, Maple City Bike Club, La Porte Historic Review Board, La Porte Little Theater, Tri Kappa, Alpha Chi Omega Indiana Dunes Alumni Club, and La Porte Jaycees. She especially enjoyed singing choral music.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at La Porte First United Methodist Church.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church.  Inurnment will take place at Pine Lake Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Music Ministries at First United Methodist Church of La Porte, 1225 Michigan Avenue, La Porte, IN  46350.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.