The world lost some of its sparkle on Sunday, September 14, 2014 when Julia Elise Gregory Rice, age 25, gave us her last unforgettable smile.

She passed away peacefully surrounded by the loving arms and support of her beloved family and friends; after succumbing to her battle with cancer.

Julia was the beloved daughter of Ginny Grandelis Simanteris and her husband Steven of Franklin and Sheldon Gregory.

She was born on October 14, 1988 in Newport News, VA but spent most of her life in Franklin; until she met her soulmate, Jacob Walter Rice and moved to Cooperstown. She and Jacob took their wedding vows on Saturday, September 13, 2014 in a tender ceremony that completed their happiness.

Julia’s devoted husband survives, in addition to her parents. Also surviving are Jacob’s parents: Dave and Linda Rice of Franklin, maternal grandparents: Lorraine Grandelis and Edward Mihalyi of Franklin and her sister-best friend-warrior: Lindsey Gregory and her fiancé Michael Carter of Rocky Grove. The extended family that Julia was so dear to are too numerous to mention by name. Aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, friends and co-workers all considered it a privilege to have known and loved such a vibrant spirit. She touched all that she knew with her humor and joy of life. Even during her long illness, she was always the caring shoulder that people would lean on. Julia set the bar for courage and strength in the face of impossible odds.

Julia was a 2007 graduate of Franklin High School.

She was employed as a Therapeutic Activity Aide at Polk Center; where the residents and her co-workers found her to be smiling and always helpful. She had an extensive network of friends in Cooperstown and thoroughly embraced the closeness of that community. She was a budding chef and homemaker; but her passion was definitely for the outdoors.

This summer, she had asked Jacob to take her kayaking; and she loved it! Camping, fishing, and riding four wheelers were only some of the activities that they loved to share.

Julia’s loving heart was especially drawn to puppies in need. She was able to find a kindred spirit in her puppy: Buster. She adopted him immediately right after her first diagnosis with cancer; as Buster himself was only given a small survival rate due to his own health conditions.

As Julia went through her chemotherapy treatments, Buster’s health began to mirror her own improvement. Buster became stronger and healthier and was her best bud. Buster, along with Rocko will most certainly miss their girl.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. Julia’s contributions to the war on Ovarian Cancer will never be measured. Her sacrifices have opened the doors for doctors to one day find a cure for this dreaded disease. She, her mother and sister have all fought a valiant fight and will continue to do so. Julia would most certainly want to thank all those who have stood by her side and supported this cause with their many prayers and fundraisers.

Julia was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather: Henry H. Grandelis, paternal grandparents: John and Rochelle Gregory and a “special friend”: Cory Roxberry.

In keeping with Julia’s wishes, there will be no public visitation.

A celebration of her life will be planned and announced by her family at a later date.

Julia and her family’s wishes are that in lieu of flowers or memorials to please visit: GoFundme.com, Julia’s Teal Tale, or directly to her family to help defray the cost of her extensive medical expenses incurred over the course of her illness.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Timothy E. Hartle Funeral Home, 1328 Elk Street, Franklin.

Please visit: www.hartlefuneralhome.com for further information and to leave a note of condolence.