She was born on March 25, 1925 in Seattle. We like to think she gave herself a birthday present by allowing herself to join her dear husband Willis McClellen Young who passed away in 2004. They not only were eternal sweethearts, but best friends.
Irene had many jobs through the years but her career job was as the manger of lamps and China at Sears and Roebucks. She left that job in Southern California to move to Lava Hot Springs, Idaho where she and Willis owned and operated a KOA Campground. Irene was very industrious and was not afraid of working hard. Not only did she work full time the majority of her life but also raised two daughters and was an excellent gardener. After moving to Hermiston she and Willis created a mini farm in which they gardened and raised goats and chickens. In their later years they moved to a smaller place but she continued gardening even being seen out working in her garden with a cane. Her yards were always a masterpiece.
Irene was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served in many capacities. Her favorite was working in the Relief Society. She and Willis were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple for time and all eternity.
Irene loved animals especially dogs and goats. She was a farm girl at heart and dearly loved her time at Patch Work Acres, the name they gave their mini farm. In her later years she loved to listen to friends and acquaintances tell their stories about farm life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Willis Young; daughter, Sharlene Young; father, Arnold Herbst,; mother, Marie Herbst; brother, Arthur Herbst III; and grandson Ted Callaway. Irene leaves behind two daughters, Darlene Gill of Crockett, TX; (Teddy) and Ilene Callaway of Kennewick, WA; 7 grandchildren, Tim Callaway (Rose); Brian Barca (Barbara); Tammy Plunkett (Roy); Candice Barber (Keith); Tom Callaway (Sarah); and Trisha Judd. She also leaves 25 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sister Particia Eckely of Burns, OR; and many nieces and nephews.
Irene’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 850 S.W. 11th St., Hermiston.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of the arrangements.
