Kathleen Hardy Young

Kathleen Hardy Young

1926- ~ 2022

Kathleen Hardy Young was born in Laurinburg, North Carolina on October 7, 1926. Granny Kat was raised by her grandparents Ella and Thomas Branch and was full of spunk and wit.  Kathleen had a wonderful childhood and often relayed stories of walking to town with her Papa who was night watchman for the city of Laurinburg. She spoke of how she and her brother Daniel “Bo” walked most everywhere they went in worn out shoes or none at all. Once during her youth, she and a friend roller-skated to McColl, SC, 30 miles roundtrip just to see how far they could go.

Kathleen was a spitfire and always had her own way of thinking. She met the love of her life, Louis D Young, while he was stationed at Fort Bragg North Carolina at a military dance. Lou hung around and grew to love Kathy. Kathy’s mama (grandmother) was quoted as saying, “I like that Lou Young.” permission was given and they married May 31, 1944. Kathleen had just completed High School and was 17 at the time and Louis was 21.

Louis was in the Army and they traveled around the states, living on various military bases for 22 years. Two years after the marriage Donna Lee Young was born. Louis named his only daughter and she was their pride and joy. In 1948 Robert Francis Young, joined the family; Kathleen was very fond of her son. Kathleen was warm hearted and enjoyed raising her family and caring for Grandpa Louis, it was one of her greatest joys.  

Kathleen was a southern lady with all the charm that goes with it. She knew how to love and care for others but could definitely speak her mind and put others in place when necessary.  Kathleen loved to travel and visit with family and friends. She spent time with her brother Bo and Ethyl and their children. She enjoyed going to Florida and Colorado to see her brother in- law’s family Bob and Mickey.  

Kathleen radiated kindness and people were drawn to her. She was very careful being a southern lady, who she allowed to be in her circle of friends and family. Kathleen cherished military life with Lou and her family. She lived in many places including Alaska, Virginia, Texas, Florida and Arizona. She was the quintessential military wife and became an expert bowler winning many trophies. She joined Bridge Clubs and became a Life Master Bridge player.

Kathleen was an avid golfer and loved a friendly game with Louis.  After military retirement and moving to Utah for a civilian job at HAFB she made her home in Ogden, UT. Her son Bob attended Ogden High School and met a Hooper, young lady named Ranee Arave.  Ranee and Bob were married and joined the military shortly thereafter...  Eric Robert Young was born to Bob and Ranee in June 1969. Kathleen adored Eric her grandson as well as all her grandchildren, Rhonda Mire, Danny and Jeff Phipps. Robert Francis Young was killed in Vietnam March 1970. This loss was huge for Lou but, broke Kathleen‘s tender heart. Kathy and Lou decided to permanently stay in Utah and help raise Eric. They settled in Clearfield, Utah very close to HAFB.

After a second retirement Kathy and Lou traveled. They spent much time in Vegas at the El Cortez Hotel and Casino where Granny was known to, “Hit the Big one” a few times playing Keno and Slots. She loved to gamble and some of the best trips were to Mesquite and Las Vegas, NV.  Kathleen loved to visit Donna monthly who resided in Las Vegas. They were known to eat Crab legs in the casino restaurant.

Kathleen was a great cook and loved to make food for her family. She always made the perfect green salad (lettuce properly dried) and served it with Roquefort Dressing. She was fond of ham hocks and beans with boiled potatoes, black eyed peas and cornbread. She enjoyed UTAH tomatoes, corn and fresh strawberries and peaches. Kathleen enjoyed making ham sandwiches with mayo and cheese for her grandchildren.

Kathleen took pleasure in taking her grandchildren to Lagoon with Lou and swimming at her condo complex in the summer. She also enjoyed traveling to California to see her grandkids, Rhonda, Danny and Jeff Phipps. Grandpa and her spent many hours on the road traveling in the car driving to see family, while she enjoyed driving and often drive the car. While driving she drank coffee and chatted with Grandpa Louis. Once Eric was married and kids came, granny and grandpa spent many Saturdays coming to visit their great grandchildren in Hooper, UT.  They brought Arctic Circle hamburgers and fries to the kids and always brought some sort of Capri Sun and a sweet dessert from the commissary.  These visits were very important to Kathleen she was interested in staying connected with her local great grandchildren, Carrigan and Hunter Richmond, Peyton and Morgan Young. Granny never forgot a birthday or Christmas and insisted on sending money to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Taylor, Ethan, Avery and Lexi Brantman regardless of where they resided. After many years enjoying retirement life Kathleen and Louis with the help of their family Eric and Erin moved to Chancellor Gardens Assisted Living in Clearfield, UT. They resided at Chancellor four years; had great health and she took pleasure in continuing to care for Louis. Grandma suffered a few strokes and falls but with determination and hard work through therapy always wanted to return to reside with her Lou.   

In March of 2022, her health began to decline. She continued to fuss and worry about grandpa and others, despite her failing health. Grandma Kathleen passed peacefully in her sleep on May 17, 2022, in the early hours of the morning. She simply went to sleep and did not wake. Granny Kat made us promise to devote ourselves to and keep her beloved Louis in our hands until they reunite. Kathleen was an amazing woman who will be missed by many. Her love and goodness for all will live on in our souls and memories for a lifetime.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; both children, Donna and Bob and a great-granddaughter, Sarah Kathleen Young.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, May 28, 2022 at the Hooper Cemetery, 5301 South 6300 West. A gathering in her honor will be held thereafter at the home of Eric and Erin Young. 

The family wishes to express gratitude to the Staff at Chancellor Gardens Assisted Living Center for their excellent care of both Grandma and Grandpa.   

In lieu of flowers please donate to a local charity in Kathleen’s name.

Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist's Ogden Mortuary.