OBITUARY Mary Joann Laughlin Young December 30, 1934 – August 30, 2018 Mary Joann (Laughlin) Young passed away at her daughter’s home in Kansas City, Missouri on August 30, 2018. Joann was born in Kansas City on December 30, 1934, the first daughter of William and Frances Laughlin. She graduated from Loretto Academy in Kansas City, Missouri.
Her husband of over 60 years, John Arthur Young of Raytown, Missouri preceded her in death last year. Her parents, her older brothers Bill Laughlin and Jim Laughlin, and her younger sister Patricia Schroeger also preceded her in death. Joann is survived by her seven children: David Young (Karen) of Fort Collins, Colorado; Sharon Young of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Dianne Ratliff (Roy) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Tricia Lees (Greg) of Flagstaff, Arizona; Teresa Holliger (Robert) of Overland Park, Kansas; John Young (Mary Pat) of Parker, Colorado; and Nancy Young of Kansas City, Missouri.
She is also survived by her brother Eugene Laughlin (Verlyn Richards) of Manhattan, Kansas; and her brother-in-law Dr. Thomas Young (Mary) of Leawood, Kansas. Joann was immensely proud of her six grandchildren: Nicki Hall of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; John Christopher Young of Kansas City, Missouri, Courtney Lees of Scottsdale, Arizona; Erin Lees of Denver, Colorado; Eric Holliger of Denver, Colorado; and Noah Holliger of Overland Park, Kansas. She was also delighted by her two great-grandchildren, Aiden Young of Gravette, Arkansas, and Quinn Peter of Scottsdale, Arizona.
Many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family, plus countless friends, completed her full and loving life. Before marrying John in 1957, Joann worked for Trans World Airlines. After the birth of their first child, she dedicated herself to her children, family and home.
When the last of their seven children entered school, she began a new career as an orthodontic assistant. She had a way with words and put her creative skills to use winning many contest prizes throughout her life. She was a member of the “Red Mitten Club,” whose contest enthusiasts shared her passion for the written word.
The family will receive guests from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, September 3, 2018 at McGilley Memorial Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145. A service celebrating Joann’s life will follow at 7:00 pm. A formal Memorial Service will be held at McGilley Chapel at 10:00 am on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, followed by a graveside service at Mt.
Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64138. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. Joann loved the Celtic traditions from her ancestral home in Ireland and wanted to share this traditional Irish blessing: May the road rise up to meet you; May the wind be always at your back; May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
