Julia Betty White passed away on June 29, 2007 in Oak Harbor. She was born in Sydney, Australia, on Jan. 10, 1929 to Albert Edwin Bagshaw and Charlotte Emily (Boylan) Bagshaw. In 1943 Julie graduated from Kogorah Girls School. That same year she met James Forrest White who was serving in the U.S. Navy and they were married on Oct. 7, 1944.

While Jim finished his tour of duty in the Pacific Islands during World War II, Julie remained in Sydney. In 1946 Julie boarded a converted Liberty Ship, the USS Shanks, to be with her husband in the United States. In 1951, at the age of 22, Julie became a U.S. citizen. They lived in Eugene, Ore., for 52 years until Jim passed away in 1996. Julie then moved to Oak Harbor to be near her daughter and son-in-laws.

Julie was one of the first sales clerks hired to work at the Bon Marche’ in Eugene. Several years later, Julie was transferred to the credit office and then hired as credit manager for Fraedrick Skillern Oil Company and then to Coastal Adjustment Bureau and Automatic Heat in credit and collections.

In 1976, Julie was the first woman in Lane County to become a Certified Consumer Credit Executive. She was a past president of the Lane County Credit Association and second vice president of Eugene Credit Women International. She also served on the board of directors of the Lane County Consumer Credit Council and was a member of the Eugene War Brides Club.

Julie loved to fish, golf and spend time camping with her family and friends. She also liked crossword puzzles, card games and playing slots at the casino. Whenever possible, she would travel to Australia to visit relatives and friends.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Dianna and Rex Block of Oak Harbor; and two sisters, Ann Jean Sutton and Janice Ghazigian, in Australia. Another sister, Dorothy Gmyr, from Australia, died in 1895.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Believe Foundation (www.thebelievefoundation.org) in Julia White’s remembrance. Please send any donations to 1118 Sandberg Lane, Coupeville WA 98239.

Julie will be placed next to her husband at Rest Haven in Eugene. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.