Fife Lake, Michigan - Julianne Marie Stephenson (Richter-Darga), 77, of Fife Lake and formerly of Traverse City and Cedar Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on July 10, 2025. Julianne was brought to life on August 4, 1947, at home in Centerville; one of nine children and the daughter of Anthony and Proxadus Darga, who both preceded her in death, along with her loving husband Gene.

Julianne was an amazing woman, full of life, love and laughter. Her greatest joy was that of being a mother to her loving son Christopher (Richter), a grandmother to her four cherished and beloved grandchildren, Brittany (Richter), Kyle (Richter), Lily (Richter) and Daisey (Richter), and an exceptionally loving great-grandmother to her one and only great-granddaughter Solé Anna (Richter).

Julianne had a deep and ardent love for her family and was always eager to spend time with them. Seldom missing any family events and always arriving with a beautiful and contagious smile shining across her face, an overwhelming amount of enthusiasm and appreciation, and always with gifts or goodies tucked under her arms. Her admiration for the lives that surrounded her during these family gatherings was evident by the excitement she expressed in her words, and by the visible sparkles in her eyes. She loved her family with every ounce within her. She was most alive when in the presence of those that loved her as much as she had loved them, and she will be sorely missed by her loving son, family and all those that considered her their friend.

Julianne spent more than 40 years as a State of Michigan Licensed Cosmetologist; the Owner and Operator of Julianne's Styling Salon, where she developed lifelong friendships with her valued clients. Not only was she well known for her cosmetology creativity, updo talents, and hair magic, but she was also known to be quick-witted, and humous, yet comforting to all those in need. She was commonly referred to as "one of a kind", wearing her heart on her sleeve and always willing to go out of her way to help someone else. She was selfless and cared for all; always putting others before her. She was the kind of person that most say they were lucky to have her as a friend.

Julianne is survived by her only son, Christopher (Lisa) Richter; her first husband and father of her only son, Joel Richter; four grandchildren, Brittany, Kyle, Lily and Daisey Richter; great-granddaughter Solé Anna Richter; brothers and sisters, Ken Darga, Madeline (Gary) Garvin, Arlene (Bob) Burdine, and Richard (Sylvia) Darga; and her beloved dog, Winnie.

She was preceded in death by her parents Anthony and Proxadus Darga, her husband Gene Stephenson, a sister Dolerine (Bruce) Hullet, and three brothers, Bernard Darga, Alfred Darga, and Willard (Susie) Darga.

A visitation for Julianne's friends and family will be held at the Martinson Funeral Home in Suttons Bay on Thursday July 31, 2025, from 5 pm to 8 pm.

A funeral service will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cedar (Isadore) on Friday August 1, 2025, at 11 am with the family greeting friends at 10:30 am.

A graveside burial ceremony will follow the funeral service at the location of her final resting place in the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 2 pm.

Please share condolences and memories with Julianne's family at www.martinson.info.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.