Obituary of Gretchen Young, 81

Gretchen M. Young 81, of Bellefonte, passed away Friday, February 24, 2017 at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

She was born January 26, 1936 in Greenville, Mercer County, PA, the daughter of Charles Bruce and Mildred Leib McCarl.

She is survived by Walter R. Young, Jr., her husband of nearly 60 years. They were married March 2, 1957 at the Curwensville Presbyterian Church in Curwensville, PA.

Gretchen graduated from Curwensville High School in 1953 as Valedictorian of the class and the Outstanding Senior Girl of 1953. She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1957 with a BS Ed. in Elementary Education. She was a member of Zeta Tau Sorority at IUP.
Gretchen taught for 22 years at Bellefonte Area School District teaching 3rd grade at Bellefonte Elementary and moving to 4th grade at Benner Elementary.

Gretchen served as a Girl Scout Leader and Cub Scout den mother, both in Bellefonte. She had been a member of the Bellefonte Woman’s Club where she had helped organize the Bellefonte Homes Tour in the 1970’s.

As a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bellefonte, she served as a Sunday School teacher, Elder, and Bellefonte Community Lunch Program Volunteer.

She enjoyed reading, needlework, and crossword puzzles. She, with her husband, loved building miniature houses and visiting lighthouses from Canada to Georgia.
Gretchen is survived by her sister, Mary S. Dagold of Baltimore; her children W. Charles Young of Pleasant Gap, Laura A. Young of Biglerville, and David K. Young of Bellefonte. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Grace D. Young and Stephen M. Young, both of Bellefonte.

There will be a public visitation held on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 from 6-8 pm at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., in Bellefonte and Wednesday, March 1, 2017 from 10-11am at the church.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church, 203 N. Spring Street, with Reverend Ann Ard and Candance Dannaker officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Bellefonte at 203 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.