Julia Scott

Julia Alverda (Updyke) Scott of Benton, formerly a lifelong resident of Kunkle, passed away, Tuesday, November 6, 2018, following a sudden illness. Julia was born on June 30, 1933 and was the daughter of the late Palmer and Arline (Richards) Updyke.  Julia was a proud graduate of Dallas Township High School, including as a member of the basketball team, and an active participant in all class reunions. For the past 7 years, Julia resided in Benton with her love and companion, Glen Swank, a fellow Dallas graduate from the same class.  Glen and Julie re-connected at their 60th class reunion and began their journey together.  They lived in a home in Benton, built by Glen, sharing many interests and great times together and with family and friends.

Julia had several occupations throughout her lifetime, most notably her time spent as a Certified Nursing Aide with Bayada Nursing Service, providing care and kindness to those in need and with her children’s family business, the Waterlily Floral Shop, making deliveries, always with a smile.

Julia was a former member of the Kunkle United Methodist Church for many years and, at times, sang in the choir.  Very musically inclined, Julia also expertly played the piano and the organ, without a single lesson, and always provided the family gatherings with entertainment.

A crafter and seamstress most of her life, Julia made many beautiful tapestries and afghans, as well as, teddy bears, dolls, her famous clone dolls and many other cherished pieces. Some of which made it all the way to Alaska!  Julia also spent many years, continuing with the Updyke legacy of planting, maintaining and selling Christmas trees at the family Christmas tree farm in Kunkle, bringing joy to the faces of many as they chose their perfect tree.

Christmas being her favorite holiday, Julia made it her mission all year to make or find just the right gift for each of her family and those close to her, always making it a surprise filled with love and great meaning.  Each year’s gathering ending with “this was the best Christmas ever…”

Julia was preceded in death by sisters, Jane Hackling and Josephine Bunton and brother, Kyler Updyke. Surviving are her companion, Glen Swank, Benton, PA; daughters, Julia (Scott) Roan and her husband Andrew, Las Cruces, NM and Amy (Scott) Capece and her husband Robert, Kingston, PA; son, Jerry Scott, Kunkle, PA; grandchildren, Becki (Roan) Graham and her husband, Michael, Las Cruces, NM, Paula (Capece) Murray and her fiancé, Richard Lussi, Forty-Fort, PA and Jason Capece and his companion, Kim Klein, Asbury Park, NJ;  great grandchildren, Olivia Murray and Parker Paratore, both of Forty-Fort, PA; several nieces and nephews.

Julia was a loving and always giving Mother, Grandmother (also affectionately known as Gongy), Great-Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and dear friend to many and will be greatly missed by all who came to know and love her.  Her happiest times were those spent with family and friends, telling stories, sharing great food and always laughing.

The family would like to thank all who cared for Julia at the Geisinger Bloomsburg and Geisinger Wyoming Valley hospitals with a special thank-you to the loving and caring staff of the Residential (Celtic) Hospice in Wilkes-Barre.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held Sunday, December 9, 2018 with calling hours from 2:00 to 4:00, at the Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, Inc., 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas, followed by a family gathering at Leggio’s Restaurant in Dallas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kunkle Fire & Ambulance.  Condolences and memories can be shared online with the family at https://www.disquefuneralhome.com