Leona Young

Leona Ellen (Hargis) Young, 104, of Vacaville, California, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, and entered into the presence of her Lord.

Leona was born on August 25, 1921, in Seelyville, Indiana, to Charles and Grace Hargis. She grew up on her family’s farm in Indiana, where she enjoyed a happy childhood filled with adventure alongside her three sisters and three brothers.

In 1939, Leona met the love of her life, Joseph Everett Young, at the Wabash County Fair in Terre Haute, Indiana. The farm girl and the soldier quickly fell in love and were married on May 2, 1940. Together they built a life rich in family, faith, and service — raising eight children while traveling the world during Joseph’s 21-year career with the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Their children were born across the globe on military bases, from Panama to Germany, making Leona not only a devoted mother but also a resilient adventurer who embraced each new chapter with grace and strength.

After Joseph’s retirement, the family settled in Vallejo, California, where Joseph taught mathematics and Leona dedicated herself to her family and community. She served as a leader in both Boy and Girl Scouts, was active in the PTA, and faithfully worked as an election volunteer for many years.

Leona was also a talented and successful businesswoman. While caring for Joseph after his stroke in 1971, she began a career with Tupperware. Her hard work and leadership earned her recognition as a top salesperson and the proud recipient of nine new cars — a testament to her determination and entrepreneurial spirit.

After Joseph passed, Leona found comfort and strength in a deepened relationship with her Lord Jesus. She was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Vallejo from 1965 until her passing. Her spiritual journey continued to flourish as she learned the practice of Centering Prayer and faithfully attended a Spiritual Journey class throughout her later years. Every morning at 8:00 AM, she joined her Zoom Centering Prayer group — a quiet, sacred time of connection and reflection.

Her love for God’s Word also led her to become involved in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), where she studied the Bible alongside people from around the world. Leona faithfully attended BSF for 30 years, nurturing her faith and encouraging others in theirs.

For more than four decades, Leona poured her heart into serving in children’s ministry. Her kindness, humility, and dedication touched countless lives. She had a huge heart and consistently went above and beyond to help others. With a gentle spirit and a listening ear, she made people feel seen, heard, and loved.

Leona also had a deep love of travel and the outdoors. She especially cherished Yellowstone National Park, which she first visited in 1953 and returned to many times over the next 66 years. At age 98, she made her final visit to her beloved “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,” a testament to her enduring sense of wonder and love of God’s creation.

Above all, Leona will be remembered for her unwavering faith, devotion to her family, and boundless generosity. She was the heart of her family — a caregiver, teacher, and inspiration who lived with love, courage, and joy for more than a century.

Leona is survived by her children Ralph, Alice, David, Mary, and Sharon; and by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who were blessed to call her “Mom” and “Grandma.” She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph; her children Herbert, George, and Gary; her parents; and her siblings.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that after 104 remarkable years, Leona is reunited with Joseph and rests in the eternal care of her Lord Jesus.

Services:

• Visitation: October 23, 5:00–8:00 PM at McCune Garden Chapel, Vacaville

• Interment: October 24, 9:45 AM for service at 10:15 AM at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery

• Celebration of Life: October 24, 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, Vallejo

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bible Study Fellowship at bsfinternational.org/support/give