Julie Ann Kettle Jessepe

Julie Ann Kettle Jessepe, 65, of Kill Buck, NY died Wednesday afternoon, April 8, 2026, at Buffalo General Hospital following a long illness.

Born March 10, 1961, in Salamanca, NY, she was the daughter of Greta M. Crouse Kettle of Salamanca and the late Lawrence I. Kettle.

She was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and of the Hawk Clan.

Julie attended Salamanca High School, Class of 1979, and earned her Associate’s Degree from Louisville College.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also enjoyed beading, listening to music, watching movies and TV shows, doing crosswords and was an avid reader. She was a Buffalo Bills and UB women’s basketball fan. She will be remembered for her strong Christian faith and her sense of humor.

Surviving besides her mother are: a daughter, Girlie Contreraz, Salamanca, NY; three sons, Beto (Oulu) Contreraz, OR, Angelo Contreraz, Noverto “Antonio” Contreraz, both of Salamanca, NY; four granddaughters, Juliana Bigkettle-Smith, Ariana Kettle, both of Salamanca, NY, Dayana Contreraz, Tonawanda Reservation, Jenashka Contreraz, FL; two grandsons, Irvin Bigkettle-Dowdy, Jason Smith, both of Salamanca, NY; seven step-grandchildren; four sisters, Johnna “Jonie” Crouse, Tina Kettle, Jackie Kettle, Tawny Kettle, all of Salamanca, NY; two brothers, Everett Adams, Marietta, OH, Scott Kettle, Salamanca, NY; several nieces and nephews.

Aside from her father, she was predeceased by a brother, Lawrence A. Kettle, and a granddaughter, Joayla Kettle.

Friends may call at the family home, 3624 N Authority Road, Kill Buck, NY beginning Tuesday afternoon, April 14, 2026, and continuing all day Wednesday.

Funeral services will be held in the family home on Thursday at 10 a.m. with Mike Crouse officiating.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

Burial will be in Memorial Heights Cemetery, Jimersontown, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.