Martha Young

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Martha Young, 70, loving mother, wife and grandmother, formerly of Morehouse Mo., went home at last on July 9, 2004, in San Jose.

Born Feb. 21, 1934, in Morehouse, she moved to California in 1952 with her husband and childhood sweetheart, John Young, who preceded her in death in January 2001. A resident of San Jose for more than 47 years, she was a homemaker and also worked at the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation, Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters and was a purchasing agent for Boole and Babbage.

Martha spent much of the last 30 years preserving her memories of the Great Depression, World War II and the love she held for her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Her account of John's service in the U.S. Navy is included as a part of the permanent record in the Smithsonian Institute. A regular participant at Willows Senior Center and mentor to many in her Memoirs writing class, Martha was always willing to help and served as a volunteer wherever her time and compassion were needed.

Martha's lifelong faith and love of God sustained her through many difficult times as did the fellowship of the many, many friends she felt fortunate to make over the years. She was a member of the Los Gatos Christian Church for more than 25 years, where she worshiped and served the Lord. Her love for church family and people in general was endless as she truly modeled God's love here on Earth. Selfless and generous to all, Martha was the first to see the needs of others and facilitate help.

She was mother to her daughters and son-in-law, Janice Young of Grass Valley and Kimberly Young and Steven Jolly and (adopted daughter) Debra Somerfield of San Jose; and beloved grandchildren, U.S. Navy Petty Officer Erinn York, Kevin York and Stephen York of Grass Valley and Breanna Jolly of San Jose.

A celebration of Martha's life will be held at the Los Gatos Christian Church at 11 a.m. Monday. Interment will be held by the family.

Darling-Fischer Chapel of the Hills of Los Gatos is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions

may be sent in her name to

City Team Ministries

Attn: Donations

2304 Zanker Road

San Jose CA 95131

or the

American Cancer Society

1715 S. Bascom Ave., Suite 110

Campbell, CA 95008

Paid obituary