On December 13, 2025, Julie Deppner, a 57‑year‑old distinguished educator and senior living leader from Chelsea and Kalamazoo communities died following a car accident in Grand Rapids.
The accident occurred in Grand Rapids, leading to treatment at Corewell Hospital, where Deppner succumbed to her injuries. Details remain limited as investigations continue, underscoring the risks associated with roadway travel in Michigan. Her passing highlights the fragility of life, even amid a career devoted to service and care.
Early Life and Education
Born on September 11, 1968, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Albert Floyd and Gari June (Foster) Monroe, Deppner grew up in Clarkston. During her youth, she developed passions for music and theater, interests that shaped her outlook and enriched her later work in education and community leadership.
Deppner dedicated more than two decades to the Chelsea School District, serving in roles that included teacher, assistant principal, principal at Chelsea High School, and assistant superintendent until 2016. Her leadership was marked by kindness, encouragement, and a strong commitment to student advocacy. Colleagues and former students recall her as a mentor who fostered environments of growth, compassion, and opportunity.
In 2016, Deppner transitioned to senior living, becoming executive director and later CEO at Silver Maples of Chelsea Retirement Neighborhood. She guided the organization through quality improvements and the challenges of the COVID‑19 pandemic, earning national recognition for engagement and innovation. In September 2024, she assumed the role of president and CEO at Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, where she continued to bring people‑focused leadership to advance senior care.
Funeral Arrangements
A service celebrating Deppner’s life will be held on Thursday, December 18, at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Chelsea, with Rev. Joy Barrett presiding. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday at Cole Funeral Chapel from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Additional time to visit with the family will be available at the church on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until the start of the service. Burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea at a later date.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Silver Linings Fund at Silver Maples, the building fund at Heritage of Kalamazoo, or the Chelsea Education Foundation, reflecting Deppner’s lifelong dedication to education and elder care.
