Gleadis Young

Gleadis A. Young passed away from natural causes December 27, 2010, at the age of 101 years, one month and one day. She was born Nov. 26, 1909, at the family home near Hillsdale, Mich., the seventh of nine children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orris, parents, Samuel and Ona Lister, and by her six sisters and two brothers. Gleadis is survived by her son, Fraser/Fritz of Lake Winnebago, Mo., and daughters, Katherine/Kalanit of Whidbey Island, Wash., and Deborah of Portsmouth, Va. In addition there are eight grandchildren, 16 great grand-children, and three great-great grandchildren. Gleadis epitomized a generation whose prime directive was to "be no bother, do not offend." The last thing she wanted to do was to put people out, even when her need was great and their inconvenience modest. She lived a frugal life based on her Michigan farm roots, firmed by the crucible of the Great Depression and the modest income of Illinois school teachers. Because of her sound money management, she was able to see the world with relatives and friends, including most of the United States, China, Europe and Israel. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, and playing Scrabble, Solitaire, and Bridge. Gleadis' life was highlighted several ways. Her lifetime of involvement with family and friends, career in primary grade education, Eastern Star, PEO, and church. She was especially fond of Hillsdale College where she got her Bachelors degree in French and Spanish, and her teacher's certificate. In the 1940s employment brought Gleadis, her husband and children to Joliet, Ill., where she remained over 50 years. She moved to Overland Park, Kan., in 1996 to be closer to her son and his family, residing first in an apartment, then senior living at the Atriums, and finally long term care at Delmar Gardens of Overland Park. Gleadis Young is fondly remembered for her amiable, friendly demeanor, her independence, and for her commitment to her immediate and extended family. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 1, at D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66210. In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations to Hillsdale College will be appreciated. Their address is Hillsdale College, 33 E. College St., Hillsdale, MI 49242. Please indicate the donation is in memory of Gleadis A. Young. Arr.: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, (913) 451-1860.

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