Leona M Young

Leona M. Young, age 91 of Ithaca, died Wednesday, July 19, 2017 in Lincoln. She was born August 6, 1925 near Waverly, NE to William and Ophia (Miller) Newsham and grew up south of Ithaca. She attended school in Ceresco and boarded with various families during her high school years rather than making the daily trip between Ithaca and Ceresco. After completing her education, she married Vernon A. Young in Marysville, KS. They settled at Ithaca where they raised their son and daughter. Once her children were grown, Leona began working in Food Service at Kennedy College in Wahoo where she was the kitchen manager and dietician until the college closed. She then took a similar position at Saunders County Hospital and retired when she was in her early sixties. The next chapter in Leona's life focused on helping to raise her two young granddaughters following their mother's death. Family was of paramount importance to Leona who hosted family get-togethers at her home every Sunday. This long-standing tradition continued up to her death. Leona was also the curator of the family genealogy. She shared information and photographs with her family to help them connect to past generations. As a farm girl, Leona learned the importance of growing a substantial garden, then harvesting and canning the large variety of vegetables that grew under her watchful care. She also enjoyed sewing. Leona and her family travelled a great deal throughout the United States taking in, and camping at, many historic and scenic areas. They especially liked to join extended family members in Idaho and Missouri for family reunions. Leona was a member of the Ithaca United Methodist Church, and a 40 year member of the Go Getters Extension Club. She was a longtime leader of the Busy Jill 4-H Club. She is survived by her daughter Peggy Young (Ron Thoms) of Lincoln; granddaughters Keri (Robert) See of Lincoln, Wendy (Keith) Ward of Corydon, IN; great-grandchildren Brianna Young-Cedillo of Lincoln, Devan Young-Adamczyk of Syracuse, NY, Jessi Adamczyk of Louisville, KY, JoAnne Adamczyk of Louisville, KY, Jacob See of Lincoln; great-great-granddaughter Serenity Young-Adamczyk. Leona was preceded in death by her husband Vernon A. Young; son Larry Young; sisters Edeth Hoffman, Evelene Jones and Helen Hess.