Katherine Shults Hambrecht Young, 83, passed away at her home in State College Monday, March 10, 2014. She was born July 11, 1930, in Canajoharie, New York, the youngest daughter of George and Irene Hambrecht.
She is survived by her children, Stanton B. Garner Jr. (Alison) of Knoxville, TN, George Garner of Katy TX, and Rosalie Young Laramore (Alan) of Aurora, Ill; her nephew, James Dillon of Beverly Mass.; and her godchildren, Joseph Kockelmans of State College and Kristen Dillon Taber of South Hampton MA. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Jared, Travis, and Helen Garner, and Dana and Daniel Dwyer, and a great-granddaughter, Ryley Garner.
Katherine attended Syracuse University, Pembroke College, and graduated from Penn State in 1986 with a Bachelor’s degree in General Arts and Studies. A long-time resident of State College and active in many parts of the community, she was a dedicated member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, a Benedictine Oblate with the Penn State Catholic Center, and a volunteer for many organizations including Centre County Hospice and the Mid-State Literacy Council. She was the loving sponsor of many foster children across the world through Child Fund International (formerly Christian Children’s Fund). Katherine was also a devoted and loving critic and editor for her husband's books. She had numerous friends in the area and loved to entertain guests and care for those in need.
Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Mary Hambrecht Dillon, her stepson, Jeffrey Young, and her husband, Philip Young, former Evan Pugh Professor of English at Penn State. The family is extremely grateful to Kimberly Wright, Dawn Cohenour, and all who cared for her over the past few years.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Child Fund International.
Friends will be received at the Koch Funeral Home at 2401 S. Atherton St., State College, PA on Monday, March 17, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, on Tuesday, March 18, at 10:30 a.m. with Father Matthew Baum officiating. Burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park.
Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.