Wanda Young (Hartville)'s Obituary
Wanda Gale Young, daughter of Walter and Erica Fletcher Mitchell, was born July 6, 1940 in Mountain Grove, Missouri. She departed this life Wednesday evening in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of seventy-seven years, one month, and seventeen days.
On April 22, 1960, Wanda was united in marriage to Thomas Jefferson Young and to this union six children were born.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Erica Mitchell; three brothers, J.D., Dean, and Larry Mitchell; and one sister, Linda Archer.
Wanda is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Jefferson Young, of the home; four sons, Jeff Young and his wife Marcia, of Cabool, Missouri, Steve Young and his wife Elaine, of Grovespring, Missouri, Martin Young, of Strafford, Missouri, and Eddie Young and his wife Karen, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; two daughters, Licea Sims and her husband Virgil, of Spring, Texas and Rhonda Jones and her husband Tom, of Hartville, Missouri; sixteen grandchildren, Julie, Chad, Dustin, Ashley, Amanda, Trever, Tyler, Joshua, Joe, Nicky, Brandy, Courtney, Sage, Seth, Kellis, and Deric; fourteen great-grandchildren, Telika, Madison, Kaynen, Brayden, Macie, Hadleigh, Emyrsen, Kinley, Ava, Matthew, Carson, Jackson, Marshall, and Abigail; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Wanda was born in Mountain Grove, Missouri and was raised on the Liberty Tree Farm. While she was in grade school she attended Mountain Valley Elementary and later graduated from Mountain Grove High School. While Wanda was still in high school she met Tom Young at the “Big Singin” held in Hartville every Fourth of July. The couple did not get married right away because Tom was in the military and had to go abroad. While Tom was stationed overseas, Wanda wrote love letters to him. Once Tom returned the two were finally married and had six beautiful children.
Later in her life, Wanda started working for Mercy Homecare and continued with them until retiring after ten years in 2002. Wanda was quite the seamstress. She made several dresses, including a wedding dress for one of her daughters. She also altered the Hartville band uniforms for many years. Wanda also made sure her family would be warm as well, creating many quilts for her loved ones to enjoy. Wanda also loved to attend congregational gospel sings. She also enjoyed cooking, making sure everyone was well fed. Wanda was also known for her selflessness, she always put everyone else’s needs before her own. Most of all, Wanda loved her family. She loved to support her grandkids in everything they did. She would travel just about anywhere to see her grandkids succeed. Wanda was asked, “What would you like to tell your loved ones before you die?” She replied, “I love each one, and am so proud of every accomplishment in their lives.” Wanda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. We celebrate her wonderful life and will cherish the many happy memories she helped create.
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