Julia Pickell, age 98 of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2015 at Altercare of Big Rapids. She was born June 15, 1916 in Chicago, the daughter of John and Antoinette (Jordan) Stuba. Julia was a devout Catholic her entire life. She was employed by Ferris State University working first in food service and later retired as a custodian in 1972. Julia started traveling after her retirement which spanned from Grand Marais in the Upper Peninsula to Florida. She enjoyed fishing, crocheting, playing cards and embroidery. Julia loved spending time with family. She is survived by her three children, Ralph (Shirley) Martin of CA, Earl Martin of Big Rapids and Barbara Gilmore of Big Rapids; two sons-in-law, Pete Balavitch of Paris and Rolland Lyons of Big Rapids; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Julia was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Ralph Martin and Merle Pickell; an infant son, Thomas Martin; two daughters, Florence Balavitch and Agnes Lyons; six siblings; and a grandson, Charles Henry Gilmore. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at St. Paul Campus Parish in Big Rapids with Father Michael Burt officiating. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a Rosary being prayed at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 6th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Julia will be laid to rest at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in Julia's name may be made to St. Paul Campus Parish or Spectrum Health Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, April 7, 2015 12:00 AM St. Paul Campus Parish 1 Damascus Road Big Rapids,MI 49307