Elaine Youngs

Elaine Youngs was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. A simple woman, ahead of her time, she lived her life simply enjoying one moment at a time and never taking for granted the quality time she spent with her loved ones. Elaine lived a beautiful life filled with remarkable memories that will live on in the hearts of many for generations to come.

The year 1932 held many special marks in history. It was the year of a winter so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid, Radio City Music Hall in New York opened its doors, and Amelia Earhart completed the first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Melvin and Cora (Timmer) York were eager to welcome into their hearts and home their newborn baby girl, Elaine Ruth, on July 28, 1923, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Joining her older siblings, David and Carol, her birth brought light into an era of hard times.

Growing up on the west side of town, Elaine lived a typical childhood of the 1930s. She exhibited her fierce independence from an early age. In her tender preteen years, her father passed away. As a result, her mother took in boarders to help supplement the family income. Elaine was used to pitching in around the house and claimed to start growing gray hair when she was a teenager. Always on the go, a bike accident caused her to break a few teeth, yet once she recovered, she was right back to the fearless teenager she was from the start! With a strong interest in becoming a pilot, Elaine enlisted in the Navy after graduation. She started her journey at Corpus Christi with instrument training before transferring to Hawaii. Proud of her years in the service, she returned home and landed a position at Lear/Seigler with aeronautical instruments. Skilled in her profession, she had a strong reputation in her field throughout her career.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of Robert Youngs. The two of them were introduced through mutual friends and were a perfect match! Once married, they settled down on Kentwood Street on the northeast side of the city. Bob and Elaine were the proud parents of four remarkable children. They were grateful for their healthy three boys, and over the moon at the arrival of their baby girl who completed their family! Elaine relished her years as a mother. She enjoyed staying home during their younger years, but once they entered school, Elaine went back to her career. She juggled a full-time schedule of work as well as volunteering including hosting the school PTA for lunch once a year. Elaine put her whole heart into anything she put her mind to doing.

As a family, they built long-lasting memories. They enjoyed many vacations each summer. At the beginning of each summer, they took road trips later followed by several weekends taking their boat to the Hardy Dam for day trips on the water. In later years, they vacationed on their larger boat, the Shenandoah, which was stored in Grand Haven. The marina was the gathering place for them for several years and they enjoyed returning to their boating community season after season. Elaine favored having others drive for a large majority of her life. However, once Bob passed away in 1996, she renewed her driver's license and began driving again.

Elaine enjoyed spending her leisure time being active and engaged with her loved ones and community. She and Bob had a wonderful marriage. They were deeply committed to their faith life and enjoyed worshipping at First United Methodist Church. She extended her interest in her church community by attending book clubs, Bible studies, and volunteering. She and Bob also enjoyed dance lessons with friends. A highlight was taking an annual trip to Las Vegas with her daughter and close friends for nearly fifteen years. When she wasn’t out in her community or socializing with friends, Elaine enjoyed reading as well as writing. Skilled in her craft, she helped several coworkers edit or write their retirement letters that were shared at parties, as well as writing for the church.

Elaine sold the family home and moved to Marsh Ridge about thirty years ago. She lived these years sharing special moments with her grandchildren and being a loving influence on them. Elaine was elated to celebrate her 99th birthday just a few short weeks before her health declined. Loved by many, Elaine will be cherished for her wonderful kindness and selfless acts of love. May her close friends and loved ones honor the special moments they shared together and may her memories be eternal.

Elaine Ruth Youngs (nee York) peacefully traveled to her Lord at age 99 on August 25, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Youngs; son Kent; siblings, David and Carol; and grandson, Brian. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Gary, Brian, and Renee plus grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Elaine graduated from Union High School in 1942. Shortly after she joined the Navy and learned to repair aerospace instruments while stationed in Hawaii. After her time in the Navy, she returned home and fell in love with Robert J. Youngs. Her Navy skills landed her a job at Lear/Smiths, retiring in 1988. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church for 60 years. Her life was filled with service to God, her family, and her community. Her great loves were God and family.

The service to remember and celebrate Elaine’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 31 at 11 AM at First United Methodist Church, 227 Fulton Street East. Friends are invited to visit with her family at church beginning at 10 AM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either First United Methodist Church or Faith Hospice – Trillium Woods are appreciated. To share a memory, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com