Gilda Darlene Young

Mass for Gilda Darlene Young, 88, will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2014 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will be at a later date. She passed away to her eternal rest Thursday, November 27, 2014 at Medicalodges Eudora succumbing to Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia.

She was born on born November 6, 1926 in Chanute, KS the daughter of John Samuel and Edith (Johnson) Clawson.

Gilda lived in Lawrence for 57 years. She was employed by the University of Kansas in food service. She ran a daycare for many years from her home, volunteered as a teacher assistant at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School and East Heights Grade School. She did activities with the disabled residents at Cottonwood. Gilda’s compassionate soul will live on in our memories.

Gilda was a very crafty individual and could make something out about nearly everything. Generously, she gave away many of her creations. She offered friendship to all. Gilda will be remembered by her family and friends with tremendous fondness.

She married William B. “Bill” Young II on February 5, 1952 in Chanute. He preceded her in death on October 22, 1993.

Survivors include two daughters, Patti (Stan) Rood, Tonganoxie, Christine (David) Adams, Topeka; one son, Blaine (Barbara) Young, Lawrence; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth Umbarger, Chanute, Patti Toomey, Sapulpa, OK; and one brother, Bill Clawson, Topeka.

The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org/donate or to the Lawrence Humane Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

Gilda Loved Life

As a child, Gilda would take the dares of her brothers, which often landed her in trouble. She walked the pipeline over a wide deep creek; she snuck up to the old mare, slapped her on the rump; then the mare’s two back hooves slammed down on Gilda’s head! The goats and mice were often Gilda’s play companions. She would make saddles for the goats and clothes for the mice. Through her adventurous spirit and her love for life, Gilda developed a very creative mind with a vivid imagination.

Gilda would find things around the farm to make into new creations. Throughout her life, she made a wide variety of crafts out of nearly everything. Due to her generous nature, she gave away many of these things. She exuded a spirit of charity toward others, especially her grandchildren, and even the animals. She offered friendship and forgiveness to all. She fed the birds and squirrels that lived near her home. Gilda will be remembered by her family and friends with tremendous loving fondness.

Gilda lived in Lawrence, Kansas, for 57 years. Always having “the heart of a teacher,” she ran a daycare for many years from her home, and volunteered as a teacher assistant at St. John’s Catholic school and East Heights grade school. Then she was employed by the University of Kansas in food service. She also did activities with the disabled residents at Cottonwood. With youthful poise, she carried a smile for anyone. Gilda’s compassionate kind soul will live on in our memories.

Gilda has passed to her eternal rest, succumbing to Alzheimer’s and Vascular dementia. Sadly, we watched her decline with this cruel terminal illness that changes a person’s very demeanor. Her memories depleted and the recitations of the old familiar stories, we so loved to hear, faded from her lips to the point she could no longer speak. But even then, she would continue to “mouth” a thank you to her care-givers. At the very end, with her muscles deplete of strength; she could give kisses—very strong kisses on the lips. She was surrounded by family. We shared many hugs and kisses with her. May God bless you, Gilda, abundantly. We love you Gilda!

 

 

 

9 Condolences

  1. Kathy and Marvin Pine on November 29, 2014 at 2:27 pm

    Our sympathies to all of Gilda’s family. She was a very special lady. We were happy to have known her.



  2. Linda Martin on November 29, 2014 at 3:22 pm

    May the words @ 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 from the God of all comfort help you through this most difficult time.



  3. Janice and Jill Dimond on November 29, 2014 at 4:57 pm

    Just came home from Olathe & saw in the paper of Guilda’s passing. Sorry to hear that. May she rest in peace



  4. Jan Hurst on November 30, 2014 at 3:48 pm

    Sorry to hear of Gilda’s passing. We worked together many years ago and she was a long time friend of my parents, Leo and Dorothy Feist. My sympathies to all of you.



  5. Christine Adams on December 1, 2014 at 6:41 am

    Thank you so much for these condolences, they help me deal with the loss. I so loved my mom.

    Thank you Jan Hurst for your kind words. Yes, I knew your mom, Dorothy, well. She was my manager, when I worked the salad bar that she was in charge of, since I was the cashier. Again, thanks.



  6. Nancy Lacore on December 1, 2014 at 9:05 am

    Hello Chris!

    I am sorry that I never had the opportunity to meet your Mom but I greatly enjoyed reading her life story!! What an incredible legacy she has left all of your family! May she rest in peace.



  7. Barb Wente Linke on December 1, 2014 at 12:57 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Mrs. Young fondly from spending time at her house while spending the night with Patti or running in and out as teenagers do. I always thought she was so much fun and so beautiful. I hate to hear of another parent suffering from this horrible disease.



  8. Nancy Mechavich Landis on December 5, 2014 at 8:06 am

    Dear Christine, my deep sympathy for the loss of your beautiful mother. I pray you are finding love an healing through your deep faith



  9. Terri Evans and Family on December 9, 2014 at 2:12 pm

    I so enjoyed getting to know your mother so many years ago. I found her fun, interesting, and kind. I always liked to get to see her when it worked out.

    I am glad you got to spend the time that you did with her in her final months. (What a beautiful picture of her on this site!)

    We are sorry for your loss.



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