Julie V. Laird

Julie V. Laird, 83, of Lafayette, entered her eternal home on February 15, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Julie was born November 12, 1941, in New Castle, the eldest of 10 children born to the late Ervin and Martha (Hallman) Thornburg.

Julie grew up in Mooreland and graduated as the Mooreland High School Class of 1960 valedictorian. She then attended Marion County General Hospital school of nursing, graduating as a registered nurse in 1963.

While in nursing school, Julie met the love of her life, R.D. Laird, and they married in 1963. Before moving to Lafayette in 1969, Julie worked as a registered nurse for MCGH. In Lafayette, she worked in the Knights of the Pythian Home, Home Hospital, and the Purdue Student Health Center. As the oldest of a large family, Julie became a second mother to many of her siblings, and a devoted friend, confidant, and loving supporter of them all.

Julie had a deep and steady faith and was known for her kindness and willingness to serve. She enjoyed helping others. She and R.D. served Linnwood Church of Christ in many capacities, especially as leaders of youth groups and Sunday School, for over 30 years. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Faith Church East in Lafayette.

Julie was a fan of Purdue Boilermakers and enjoyed reading, crocheting, knitting, sewing, working in her garden, and spending time with her family.

In addition to her husband of 62 years, R.D, Julie is survived by a son, Brian (Audrey) of Granby, CT; a daughter, Cheryl (David) Appleby of Lebanon, OH; her beloved grandchildren, Nathan, Jonathan, and Lucy, and Molly Laird; three sisters, Sara (Jim) Rhoten, Andrea S. Zaragoza, and Margaret Thornburg; four brothers, Mark (Jane), Karl (Connie), Kevin (Susan), and Jon (Diana) Thornburg; several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her to Heaven were her parents, her brother, Alfred, her sister, Jennifer, two sisters-in-law, and three brothers-in-law.

A public Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the Mooreland Cemetery with interment to follow. The family invites all Julie’s friends to attend.

Condolences and memories of Julie may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com.