Julie Ryant, age 59, of Mahnomen, MN died on Saturday, May 26, 2018, surrounded by her loving family, at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.

Julie Eliina, the daughter of Donald and Thelma (Backa) Boettcher, was born on March 17, 1959 in Whitefish, MT. As her father worked for the railroad, she lived for a time in Montana before relocating to the St. Paul, MN area. Julie attended Tartan High School in Oakdale, where she graduated with the Class of 1977. Julie then went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts and Graphic Design from Bemidji State University. In 1982, Julie began her teaching career in Unalakleet, Alaska, where she lived for one year before returning home to Minnesota. On July 21, 1984, Julie was united in marriage to Doug Ryant at Guardian Angles Catholic Church in Lake Elmo, MN. For the first few years of marriage, the couple made their home in the Twin Cities area. Julie used her graphic design training at a local t-shirt company, as well as at Twin Cities Stamp and Stencil. In 1986, they were blessed with their first daughter, Jessica, prior to moving to Eureka, SD. Julie kept busy as a new mom while also providing daycare and substitute teaching. In 1988, their family grew with the addition of Nicole. They then moved to Mahnomen in 1989, where they have made their home since. Krysta was born in 1990 and Julie stayed home and provided headstart care to children before going back to teaching full time. Julie taught Jr. High Industrial Arts and Technology at Waubun High School for 15 years. She was also instrumental in "Project Lead the Way" for many years.

Julie's hands were never idle. She loved to create new wood projects, and especially enjoyed working with design programs and CAD computer technology. Her eye for detail assisted her as she painstakingly completed all the finishing work on a variety of their more intricate wood creations. Julie had a quiet presence about her and preferred not being in the limelight. She was always in the background to lend a helping hand or make sure a project was done, just in the nick of time, but rarely took credit for all the wonderful things she was a part of. She was a member of Circles of Faith, United Church of Christ where she made many lifelong relationships, as well as nourished her relationship with the Lord. Julie was extremely dedicated to her family and close friends. They enjoyed traveling together and created many wonderful memories. Julie also enjoyed quilting, playing cards, dice and board games. No words could express how precious Julie's grandchildren were to her heart. Doug and Julie, throughout their 30 plus years of marriage, were always each other's biggest supporters. Julie was diagnosed and treated for Hodgkin's Lymphoma during college at Bemidji State University. Following her treatment, she met Doug and agreed to become his bride in 1984. Over the years they stood together through treatments, many good years, a few not so easy times, and through the devastating news that the cancer had returned.  Julie always maintained a positive attitude and vowed to enjoy every moment of her life. Although more quickly than they had planned, Julie passed away peacefully with family by her side on May 26, 2018.  Julie's generosity continued as her family choose to donate through the Lions Gift of Sight Program so others may see the world as beautifully as she did.

Julie is survived by her husband of almost 34 years, Doug; her daughters, Jessica (Paul) Feldmann of Dayton, OH, Nicole Ryant of Oakdale, MN, and Krysta (Preston) Schmidt of Mounds View, MN; her grandchildren, Caleb Houde and Natalie Feldmann; her brother, Roger (Barbara) Boettcher; her sister-in-law, Adelle (Jim) DeVries; her brother-in-law, Roger (Robin) Ryant; several nieces and nehews; as well as several great nieces and great nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Thelma.

A time of gathering will be held on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a remembrance service beginning at 6:30. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at Circles of Faith, United Church of Christ in Waubun, MN at 2:00 pm on Friday, June 1, 2018.