Julia Charles passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Royal Vista Nursing and Rehab in Ellensburg, Washington, on January 8, 2013.Julia was born on July 1, 1919, near PeEll, Washington. She was one of six children born to Jacob and Philomena Zygar, who were both Polish immigrants. She grew up on a farm near PeEll and lived in a house built by her father. She loved sharing her memories of driving a tractor, swimming behind their home in the Chehalis River, and picking wild berries in the nearby woods.Julia graduated from high school at the age of 16, and then went on to earn a degree of education from Washington State Normal School in Ellensburg. She was teaching the first four grades at Peoh Point School when she met her future husband at a Grange dance. She and William (Bill) Charles were married June 1, 1942, in Ellensburg. She then moved with Bill to the Charles Farm located near the mouth of Robinson Canyon where they settled in and raised their family. Julia helped in the fields by again driving a tractor. Each year Julia canned vegetables from their garden for wintertime use while raising 100 chickens for the same purpose. She was a wonderful cook and made fresh bread twice weekly along with the farm churned butter and homemade jam. When her children were young, Julia sewed school clothes and special western outfits for them. Belonging to the Grange was a big part of their lives. The family attended meetings, potlucks, picnics and dances. Julia enjoyed sharing her memories of those special times.After retiring from farming, Bill and Julia moved to town and participated in many of the activities at the Ellensburg Senior Center. Julia enjoyed solving the crossword puzzles in the newspaper and took long walks with her husband for exercise.Julia brought a smile to many people's faces by her quick wit and sassy attitude. She had a cute, infectious laugh and made the best facial expressions. In her later years, Julia learned to play the "Bongos" from her great-granddaughter, Mercedes. Those who saw Julia play her "Bongos" chuckled with delight and will always remember that fondly.One of Julia's favorite sayings was, "Eat what you can and what you can't, you can."Julia loved unconditionally and those who have known her are better for having had her in their lives.Julia was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Edward, Stefonia, Chester, Leonard and Helen; her husband, Bill; her grandson, Robert; and her great-grandson, Colby.Julia is survived by her daughter, Janet (Mark) of Olympia; her sons, William (Karen) and George, both of Ellensburg; her grandchildren, Karla, Krista (Pat), Rodney (Jody), Katie, and Stacy (Marciano); great-grandchildren, Richard, Daniel, Athena, Kyler, Jesus, Mercedes, Jose, Alyssa, Keaton, Donald, and Elijah; and great-great-grandson, Richard.And a special thank you to all who loved and cared for Julia in her final years at Royal Vista Nursing and Rehab. Arrangements are under the direction of Steward & Williams Tribute Center. Condolences for the family can be left at www.steward-williams.com.