Lavern Young November 21, 1932 – February 10, 2022

May Lavern Young died peacefully on February 10, 2022 at the age of 89. She was born on November 21, 1932 in Cortez, CO to Fern and Riley Bright. She had two younger brothers, who died as infants, and was the middle of three daughters. Her parents later divorced.
At the age of 12, they moved to Monticello, UT where her mother married Lee Joseph Richey, who became her devoted father and raised her and her sisters.
While living in Monticello, Lavern met Harold Claud Young. They were high school sweethearts and were married on July 20, 1949. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 1959.
Lavern and Harold stayed in Monticello and raised their five children – Vicky Pfnister, Ronald (Jana) Young, Robert (Carolyn) Young, Audrey (Kerry) Holmes, and Curtis Young.
Lavern was devoted to her family. Because of her sense of humor and welcoming personality, her family gravitated to her home often. Many late night card and board games happened at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.
Family camp outs were also a favorite tradition. Lavern’s appreciation for the beautiful Blue Mountains, along with her love of family, made camping her “happy place”.
Lavern was a wonderful cook and planted a big garden every year. Nothing was ever wasted because she canned it and shared her abundant supply with all.
Working in her yard, among her beautiful flowers, was therapeutic. She also enjoyed painting and became a self-taught artist. Her beautiful artwork can be found in the homes of her family today.
As a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lavern held many callings and was always happy to take in meals and help those in need.
Lavern had her share of trials throughout her life. Her family all knew her favorite saying was “It is what it is”.
She taught them to have faith, perseverance and always trust in Heavenly Father. Lavern was a loving and devoted wife. When Harold was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she loved and cared for him with so much patience and understanding.
After a cluster stroke, Lavern was unable to live alone. Daughter Vicky was Lavern’s angel and cared for her in her home. The family is very grateful for Vicky, Colby Christensen and hospice that made it possible to keep Lavern in her home for several years.
Eventually, Lavern was moved to the Canyonlands Care Center in Moab, UT, where she lived out the remainder of her earthly life. She kept her sense of humor and wit and grew to love her “family” of nurses and CNAs who called her grandma or granny.
During her last few days of life, when they knew the end was near, many came to her bedside in tears to say their last goodbyes. The family is forever grateful to Colette Lyman (her dearest friend), hospice, and the staff at Canyonlands Care Center for not just the exceptional care, but for loving Lavern.
Lavern is survived by sister Charlene Johnson, four children, 16 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.
She is preceded in death by husband Harold Young, father and mother Lee and Fern Richey, baby brothers Robert and Oren Bright, son and daughter-in-law Ronald and Jana Young, sister Cecil Johnson, and brother-in-law Wallace Johnson and Max Johnson.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 18, 2022 at the Monticello North LDS Chapel. The viewing is from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and the funeral at noon. Interment in the Monticello City Cemetery.
The funeral will be broadcast live via sanjuanmortuary.com or can be watched later via pictureitpalmer.com.