Iva Jeannette Young

Iva Jeannette Young, 94, of Independence, MO. Passed away June 6, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Blue Springs, Mo. A celebration of life will be held at 12pm-3pm, Saturday, June 17th, 2023, at Point of Hope Church in Blue Springs, MO. A meal will be served after the memorial service.

Mrs. Young was born October 21, 1928, in Clinton, Mo to John A. and Shelly A. Crook. As an avid reader from a young age, Jeannette received her first job as a junior editor at the local newspaper in Clinton, MO. This was how she was first introduced to her soon-to-be husband, Robert “Bob” Young. The two were married in October 1948, after the war. They settled in a humble abode on Ohio Street in Clinton, MO. While living in Clinton they welcomed their first of four children, John Robert in 1950. Four years later their second son, James Arthur was born. Bob then found work in the Kansas City area, moving the family to their home on East 34th Terrace in Independence, MO where Jane Ann and Jack Wesley were born.

In her younger adult life Jeannette took pride in caring for her own children and their menagerie of cats and dogs, in addition to the children of the neighborhood that found refuge at her home. It was this kindness and genuine support for all those around her that helped creating a lasting impact on so many.

Some of her fondest memories were family road trips across the United States and Canada with an achieved goal of visiting all 50. In the little amount of quiet time, she and bob had alone without children, they enjoyed dancing to their favorite song, Stand by Me.
Jeannette survived her beloved Bob by 42 years, 40 of those years she spent in their family home. Jeannette turned to what she did best for work after Bob’s passing, as a caretaker at Four Pines Rest Home in Independence, MO. She reflected the work was hard yet rewarding. Caring for people was simply one of the things she did best, without effort. After retirement, she began work as a full-time grandma, cherishing every moment with her grandchildren. In her later years she spent her time reading, feeding the neighborhood cats, spending time with her grandchildren, phone calls with her high school friends, watching birds and yelling at squirrels on her patio, and catching up on shows with her neighbor Barb Campbell. Her favorite books were mysteries and biographies, her favorite television programs were romances, dramas, and old westerns, and her favorite meal was a good old fashion plain hamburgers and strawberry milkshake.

She reflected if she could have made one change in life, she would have been an early childhood teacher, for which she did attend school for a short time before her marriage. She had a true love for all children, and a special gift in connecting with others in a way that made them feel welcomed and cherished in her presence. She would have made one amazing teacher, just as she did a mother, grandmother, and friend to all.

Jeannette will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of knowing her. Let us now celebrate her remarkable legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Robert L. Young and her oldest son John R. Young.

Survivors include James A. Young (Stephanie) of Oklahoma, Jane A. McLain of Blue Springs, Jack W. Young (Cathy) of Oak Grove. Her grandchildren Malea (GJ), Amie (Ed), Alicia (Aaron), Jim (Erica), Austin (Melissa), Mariah (Justin), Caitlin (Brandon), Courtney (Drew), Ryland (Rachel), and Steph a bonus granddaughter. She had 17 great grandchildren with an 18th on the way.

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