Kathy Young joined the love of her life, and husband,Trey, and her celestial relatives and friends upon her passing on January 31, 2022. Undoubtedly, no one has had a chance to get a word in edgewise since her heavenly arrival.
Kathryn Ann (Hogenson) Young was born on March 7, 1945, in Kirksville, the daughter of J. L. “Bud” and Daisy (Gilbert) Hogenson. Bud and Daisy had assumed that their family was complete with their three sons, Gilbert, 16, and his two somewhat younger brothers, Don and Bob, but they were wrong! Everyone who knew Kathy knew nothing relating to her was to be assumed. The Hogensons were surprised and delighted with Daisy’s good news of being pregnant. The entire family, along with many relatives and friends, welcomed the birth of the extraordinary baby girl known as Kathy. This babe continued to be remarkable, making an indelible impression upon all those who knew her throughout her 76 years!
Kathy, always popular, fun to be with and having many friends, attended Willard Elementary School, Ophelia Parrish Junior High and Kirksville Senior High, graduating in 1963. She continued her education at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College, now Truman State, in Kirksville, receiving a degree in Elementary Education in 1967 and a Masters in Elementary Administration in 1970.
Although doted upon and certainly spoiled by her parents and three older brothers, Kathy worked at numerous jobs during her high school and college years. Her parents gave up their bedroom, the largest in the Hogensons’ North Osteopathy Street residence, to provide adequate closet space for their fashionable daughter with her large assemblage of clothes, shoes, purses, make-up and an abundance of other various accessories.
During her college years, Kathy was a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and made many dear and long-lasting friends with her “Alpha Sisters.” She continued these relationships, attending many Alpha gatherings and reunions. And now, for the story of the Love of her life, Harvey Burton Young, III, Trey. The two were in the same class and began dating in high school. Shortly after their wedding on June 10, 1967, the couple moved to Fort Benning, Georgia, where Trey was stationed with the U.S. Army.
Upon Trey’s deployment to Vietnam, Kathy returned to Kirksville for one year and taught an elementary class during the 1967-68 school year in Novelty, Missouri. She rejoined her beloved in Fort Benning, Georgia, upon his return to the States, and she then taught the 1968-69 school year near there.
In 1970, the Youngs happily returned to Kirksville and learned they were to become parents. Shortly before her due date, Kathy learned at her doctor appointment that they were expecting twins. She called Trey where he was working at the Bank of Kirksville and delivered the shocking news. Astounded, the father-to-be left work rather stupefied and met Kathy at her mother’s home where she had gone crying, wondering how she would ever take care of twins! But, the always reliable and positive grandmother, Daisy, assured her daughter and son-in-law that all would work out. Trey and Kathy soon welcomed twins into their family, Stephanie Lane and Christopher Burton, and with some very welcome help from relatives and friends, the new family of four happily thrived.
The twins, soon known as Stevie and Chris, were joined by baby Michael Ryan in 1974. While Trey continued his career in the banking business, Kathy resumed teaching with first grade classes at Washington Elementary School from 1978 to 1986, third grade classes at Ray Miller School 1989-1991, while also teaching adult education night classes at the Vocational Technical School 1975-1985, all in the Kirksville School District. The Young home on North New Street was the gathering spot for Stevie, Chris and Mike’s many friends, especially for what Mike refers to as Kathy’s “Honorary Sons,” Jeff Brewer and Steve Feeney. Adult friends also congregated there, having great times and creating precious memories. Kathy was known as a good cook, often feeding crowds of young and old alike. However, her own personal gourmet favorites have always been bologna, white bread and potato chips. Many will fondly recall Kathy assisting her three offspring in operating the annual 4th of July fireworks stand at “Grandma and Grandpa Hogie’s” who still lived on Osteopathy Street.
Much to the chagrin of their Kirksville family and friends, Kathy and Trey moved to Boulder, Colorado, where they lived from 1996 to 1999. There, Kathy continued her teaching career. In 1999, they moved to Chandler, Arizona, where they purchased a home and especially enjoyed the weather and their pool. Once again, Kathy returned to teaching at nearby Maricopa, Arizona, later substituting until her retirement. With profound grief, Kathy lost the “Love of Her Life” when Trey passed on June 26, 2012, following a lengthy battle with cancer. Kathy continued to live in their Chandler home until her passing. Kathy was also preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, brothers, Gilbert and Bob, and many other relatives.
Kathy is survived by her three children, Stevie Garland, Chris and Mike Young and Mike’s wife, Michelle. She has three grandchildren, Stevie’s two daughters, Kaitlyn and Grace Garland and Mike and Michelle’s son, Michael, and his wife, Lacy. Kathy also has two great-grandchildren, Rhylie and Cartyr, children of Michael and Lacy. In addition, Kathy is survived by her brother, Don Hogenson, his wife, Betty, two sisters-in-laws, Bobbi Hogenson and Evelyn Hogenson, many nieces, nephews and other relatives. She is terribly missed by her family and countless acquaintances and friends, with several of whom she had maintained meaningful friendships with since her childhood and school years.
Spending time with Kathy was always fun whether at her home or when she was visiting friends. Kathy was the easiest of visitors to host, pleased with her favorite bologna sandwiches and chips, along with an occasional Sonic corn dog. When in Kirksville, she also enjoyed her other exquisite cuisine, a tenderloin at the DuKum. Kathryn Ann was, however, known as a heavy drinker and only the hard stuff … 100% real Pepsi and absolutely none of that Diet Pepsi!
Shortly before her passing, Kathy, a devout Christian, repeatedly and earnestly stated that she wished to be “with her Maker and Trey.” Those of us left behind are grieving that our beloved Kathy is gone and mourn her passing. Nevertheless, we comfort ourselves knowing that she is no longer in pain and is reunited with Trey, “The Love of Her Life.” Let us all smile and remember when we see Kathy’s forever favorite hues, purple and lavender, and her often spoken words, “If everything in the world was purple, it would be a perfect place.” Farewell for now to our “Loved One,” assuredly joyfully dwelling in a heavenly purple hue!
Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2022 at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 4, 2022 at the Shelter at the Beach at Thousand Hills State Park; with a reception to follow. The family would request you wear purple.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Mesquite Elementary Library in Kathy’s name. Memorials can be send to the Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO.