Obituary of Grace Young

Grace Young, 93 formerly of rural North Liberty, died Friday, October 25, 2019, at the Oaknoll Retirement Residence in Iowa City surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held at 11am Tuesday, October 29, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church, 2701 Rochester Avenue, Iowa City There will be a time of visitation one hour prior to the services and a time of fellowship immediately following the services. Private family committal services will follow at Ridgewood Cemetery, North Liberty.    In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Grace’s memory to First Presbyterian Church or Oaknoll Retirement Residence, One Oaknoll Court, Iowa City, IA 52246. To share a thought memory of condolence with her family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Grace was born February 25, 1926, in North Liberty to her parents, White and Vera Larew, both longtime North Liberty residents.  Grace graduated in 1944 from University High School in Iowa City and attended freshman year at the University of Iowa until she married the love of her life, Richard A. Young, on August 12, 1945, in Iowa City.   They were inseparable for over 75 years.  She was a devoted and exceptional wife, mother and mentor to her children.  She later returned to the University of Iowa to pursue a BA in Liberal Arts followed by a double MA in Home Economics and Special Education, focusing on early childhood development.  For many years, Grace was an educator in special education at Hospital School of Iowa before leaving her profession to care for her parents and mother-in-law.

Remembered for her smile and caring concern for others, she was an anchor to many and a source of inspiration. She had a special passion for people and their heritage.  Her encyclopedic ability to remember names, places and histories aided in her connection with others.  Grace and Richard shared their love of Iowa by hosting many dinners and tours for international students and groups from all over the world including Germany, Asia and Scotland.

Grace was active in the community including memberships in North Liberty’s Whip-por-will club, Iowa Farm Bureau, Old Capital Questers #136, Chapter E PEO, Council for Exceptional Children and the Iowa City Genealogical Society.  The First Presbyterian Church has been church home for well over 50 years, where her faith was deeply strengthened.

Grace was preceded in death by her dear husband, Richard; eldest son, Bill; parents, step-brother, Scott Larew; brother, Harold Larew; in-laws, Alex and Sarah Young; and many more in-laws and cousins who are remembered fondly.

She is survived by her two children, Robert “Bob” Young (Andrea Jensen) and Joan Ambrose (Tom); grandchildren, Margaret E. Young (Jerome Cattin), Dan Ambrose, Sarah Ambrose, and daughter-in-law, Lynn Young (Bill).

Our family wishes to recognize and express our sincere appreciation for the many years of loving care by Oaknoll administration and nursing staffs, in addition to the support and love from the First Presbyterian Church Family.