Joy “Kathy” Young, 86
A memorial service for Joy Kathleen “Kathy” (McKenzie) Young, 86, of West Plains, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, at Smith Chapel in Zanoni. The family will also take this time to lovingly remember Kathy’s two sons, Gregory and Randall, who both died within the last three years. Following the service, family and friends are warmly invited to stay, enjoy a meal, share memories and celebrate the beautiful life and legacy of Joy Kathleen “Kathy” Young.
Kathy, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, died peacefully surrounded by family on May 28, 2025. Born on April 24, 1939, in Benton County, Arkansas, Kathy was the daughter of Leonard and Georgia McKenzie.
She graduated from Wilmore High School in Kansas in 1956, where she was crowned homecoming queen - a reflection of the warmth, kindness and vibrant spirit that defined her life. On June 23, 1962, Kathy married her high school sweetheart, Dwight Young, after a love story that began through their siblings - Irean, Kathy’s sister, and Leon, Dwight’s brother.
Dwight, a 1957 graduate of Medicine Lodge High School, joined the U.S. Air Force and was deployed to Vietnam shortly after their marriage. As a military family, Kathy and Dwight moved often throughout Dwight’s 20 years of service. In every town they lived, they opened ceramic shops together - places of creativity and community - including Quinn, South Dakota and Dora.
After Dwight retired from the military, he became a police officer, and the family later settled in Coldwater and Moundridge, Kansas, where they continued sharing their passion for ceramics. Kathy was a woman of remarkable strength, creativity and compassion. She held many jobs throughout her life - driving a school bus, waiting tables, working as a secretary - but her most meaningful work was in caregiving. She earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Medication Aide (CMA) credentials and found deep fulfillment working in nursing homes. Her dedication and tender care touched many lives. While in Coldwater, she met her dear friend Roberta Malone. The two shared a close bond and remained in touch for the rest of Kathy’s life.
Kathy’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love, strength, hard work, creativity, and compassion will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
Kathy is survived by her two sons: Steve Young of Texas and Eddie Young of West Plains; and her daughter, Patty (Young) Smith of Caulfield. She was a devoted "Mammaw" to her four beloved grandchildren: Gregory Osenbaugh (Serena), Amanda Garcia (Jaime), Cameron Smith (Cassidi), and Makenzie Smith (Austin Row). She also leaves behind nine cherished great-grandchildren: Chloe, Jayden, Claire, Emma, Daniel, Rose, Kensley, Tallon and Huxley. All of them will dearly miss their Mammaw and remember the love she shared through her hugs, stories and the thoughtful greeting cards she always sent. She is also survived by her loving sister and best friend, Susie Burd of West Plains.
Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Leonard McKenzie, and mother, Georgia McKenzie; her husband, Dwight Young; her daughter, Kathleen; two sons: Gregory Allen Young Wells and Randall E. Young; her sisters: Imogene Dykeman and Irean Young; her brother, Don McKenzie; and her dear friend Wanda Martin.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to help cover funeral expenses or to contribute to the upkeep of Smith Chapel, a place that held special meaning to Kathy and her family.