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1941
2020
MARY K. YOUNG
December 11, 1941 ˜ January 5, 2020
Mary K. Young of Vancouver, Washington, passed away unexpectedly on January 5, 2020, at the age of 78. She was born on December 11, 1941, in The Dalles, Oregon, to Melvin O. Garner and Clara Coleman Garner, and she had one sister Nancy L. Garner. Mary grew up in Lyle, Washington, and graduated from Lyle High School.
In 1961 she met and married William “Bill” Young and they had two children together, Lori and David. Mary spent the next 18 years as a military wife traveling all over the US and the Pacific Islands. The Pacific Northwest was always home for Mary so the family settled in Vancouver, Washington, upon Bill’s retirement from the Air Force. Mary and Bill divorced in 1981 and she did not remarry.
Despite raising a young family and constantly being on the move Mary always valued education. She worked continuously on a college degree, taking one class at a time until she proudly earned her Bachelors Degree. She worked as a legal secretary for a local Vancouver law firm and then for the Clark County Board of County Commissioners before becoming the office manager for the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney, a job she loved and held until her retirement.
Mary was an avid traveler and took many trips all over the world with wonderful friends. But by far her favorite trips were the ones she took with each of her five grandchildren for their high school graduations. She loved that special individual time with each grandchild and passing on to them her love of travel. Mary was also a voracious reader, loved to cook, garden, take walks, go to the Ashland Shakespeare Festival every year with her daughter, and exercised routinely, enjoying yoga, Pilates, Jazzercise, and Tai Chi.
Mary loved to spend time with her dear and large circle of friends. She spent many happy and treasured times with them. Whether it was wine tasting, playing MahJong or cards, going to happy hour, the movies, the theater, the beach, or Sun River, or hosting her annual Academy Awards party, Mary always kept an active social calendar. Mary was also active with Master Gardeners and The League of Women Voters.
But most important to Mary was her family. Having her family around her and being able to spend time with, cook for, and spoil them was truly her greatest comfort and joy. She adored them all and was equally adored by them.
Mary is survived by her sister, Nancy Garner; daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Curt Wyrick; daughter-in-law, Stacy Young McArthur; her “perfect in every way” grandchildren, Josh Young, Jordan Young-Kirsch and Mike Kirsch, Katherine Wyrick, Rylee Young, Hunter Young, Jenna and Kyle Kellmer; and great-grandchildren, Wes Young, Kayden Kellmer and Tate Kellmer.
Mary was predeceased by her parents; ex-husband and friend, Bill Young; and her beloved son, David Young.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Friday, January 31, 2020, from 12:00 to 3:00 at Windy Hills Winery, 1346 S. 38th Court, Ridgefield, Washington. Please join the family for a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres in remembrance of Mary and a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association or charity of your choice.
Please sign her guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I knew Mary in the Clark County days as a fun and lovely lady. My condolences to Curt and the other family members.
Louise Richards
January 20, 2020
It was fun to work with Mary on our Master Gardener tour team. She will truly be missed! May God bless the family during this difficult time!
Karen Plitt
January 20, 2020
I am very sad to hear of Marys passing. In the 90s I work with Mary and others in the Criminal Justice system to implement a Law and Justice computer system. She was a true joy to work with. My condolences to Lori, Curt and family.
Steven Schoen
January 19, 2020
Mary was so fun she was my best traveling companion, great cruises and our favorite trip to Thailand which we had talked about repeating this year. She was one very special lady and friend and I will really miss her. God's blessings and peace.
Jo Anne Holtmann
January 17, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sandra (Stine) Miller
January 17, 2020
So sorry to read of Mary's death. She was a wonderful woman and a true friend to so many!
Betty Sue Morris
January 17, 2020
Dear Mary we miss you. Things will never be the same without your energy and good fun. You will always be our hearts...Love you Sister......
Sheridan Curtis
January 16, 2020
Mary was fun to work with way back in 1981 in the Prosecutor's Office. From the fist through a door (Calzaretta!!) to Jim Carty's antics, I learned a lot from Mary that summer as a volunteer legal intern. May she enjoy paradise now after putting up with all the drama, lol.
Barbara Peterson
January 15, 2020
Mary was the best! A wonderful friend with a great sense of humor and love for life, travel and knowledge. She loved her family and friends and we all loved her. You will be so missed and were so treasured my friend. Deepest condolences to Lori and the whole family for their loss.
Jane Johnson
January 15, 2020
My condolences go to Lori and the rest of the family. I didn't know Mary well, but met her many years ago through Lori, with whom I worked with at a local law firm. Sincerely, Judy Walter
Judy Walter
January 14, 2020
Mary loved - and was loved by - family and friends. What more can one ask? You are so missed my dear friend.
Colleen Hoss
January 14, 2020
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