Julia Elizabeth Hefner, 79, of East Peoria, passed away at 2:15pm Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Snyder Village in Metamora surrounded by her family. Julia was born November 24, 1939 in Peoria to the late John and Eva (Heinz) Geier. She married her high school sweetheart, Chester L. Hefner II in 1959 at St. Marys Cathedral in Peoria; he preceded her in death on April 25, 2017. Surviving are one daughter, Heidi (Jonathan) Higginson of Boston, MA; two sons, Bryan (Paige) Hefner of Morton, IL and Scott (Kara) Hefner of Huntley,IL; six grandchildren; and two siblings, Alice (Ray) Giacoletti of East Peoria and John (Yolanda) Geier of San Antonio, TX. Julia graduated from Academy of Our Lady in Peoria, IL, was a lifelong resident of East Peoria and a longtime member of St. Monicas Catholic Church. She spent years caring for the elderly and was a loving presence for children of all ages. Julia very much enjoyed time in Florida and fishing with her husband and sons in Wisconsin. Above all, she was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother to her family. A memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am Friday, October 4, 2019 at St. Monica Catholic Church in East Peoria. Visitation will be from 5-7:00pm Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Inurnment will be at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association.