Prayer service: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry.
Funeral services: Wednesday, 1, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry.
Interment: Prairie County Cemetery in Terry.
Gladys Helen Young passed away quietly in her sleep on May 27, 2005.
She was born on December 4, 1924 in Terry, Montana, the daughter of Glenn Hershel and Winifred Lois Siegrist Ingram. After the usual month's hospital stay, little "Dolly", as her family called her, and her parents traveled to their homestead about 40 miles north of Terry. This was done at temperatures well below zero in a Model T with the side curtains snapped securely down and rocks heated to warm them. In 1927 the Ingram family moved to Terry.
Gladys Helen was proud of having lived her entire life in Prairie County. She was graduated from THS as Salutatorian of the class of 1943. Her class graduated in early spring and gave up the annualPrarian to aid in the War effort. Gladys Helen was involved in the publication of the Prairie Roamer, a newsletter for service men and women of Prairie County. The history of World War II became a lifelong passion for her. Following graduation she gave up her part time job with the Post Office and went to work as secretary for the Prairie County Attorney and County Agent. Leaving them in 1952, she worked for a short time for Northern Pacific Oil Development. On August 25, 1952 she married Wm. D. (Don) Young, a widower with 3 young children, Julia, Donnie and Joyce. Gladys Helen often joked about writing her life story, Bride for a Week. In 1954 they built their own home, a project that would last for many years. The Young family grew with the addition of Ione, Nina and Tommy. Gladys Helen remarked over the uniqueness of having a blonde, a brunette and a redhead. It was not long before she rejoined the workforce. In 1958 she became a registered abstracter and managed the Prairie County Abstract Co. This was a business she and Don would later purchase, renaming it Prairie Abstract and Title. 1972 found her back in the County Attorney and Agent's office. In 1978 she was appointed to the office of Clerk of Court. This was a position to which she was then elected 4 times. She retired from Public Service at the end of her term in 1992 and sold Prairie Abstract and Title in 1993.
Gladys Helen was a charter member ofAma de Casa, a member of the Terry Community Church for 57 years, taught Sunday School for 25 years, belonged to Priscilla Circle and served as a Trustee. She was a member of a knitting club, a Music Booster, served on the Cemetery Board and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce. She grew up during the Great Depression; came of age during World War II, rationing and shortages; reared six children; was a breast cancer survivor and caregiver for an aging, ailing parent. Yet through it all, she unfailingly believed that her life was really wonderful. She had a rare gift for keeping the house warm with love and leading her family to feel the joys of close family ties. Her quiet strength served as an inspiration to her family.
Gladys Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don, as well as her parents. She is survived by her childrenIone Young (Dan Donovan) of Billings, MT; Nina Young (Bruce Scovill) of Aurora, CO; Tom Young (Connie) of Plentywood, MT; her step children Julia Bury (Frank) of Billings, MT, Don Young (Yolanda) of Pico Rivera, CA; and Joyce Buckingham of Tumwater, WA; 3 grandchildren; 9 step grandchildren; one sister, Eva Chittick (Bill) of Claremont, CA; one brother, Glenn Ingram (Ginger) of Billings, MT.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Terry Community Presbyterian Church, Prairie County MAF, or the Prairie County Fairgrounds.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Add your thoughts and memories. Upon approval they will be added.