Rose M. Young

Rose met Burton D. Young, a World War II veteran, while attending the University of Idaho. He won her heart with his brand new convertible and a date to Hunter's Candy Store for a caramel apple. Following Burt's graduation from the University of Idaho, the couple briefly lived in Moscow, where they owned a service station. Burt and Rose ultimately made their home in Lewiston, where Burt was employed by Potlatch Corp. In Lewiston, they started their family with children Jan and Jeff.

Rose was very social, and enjoyed Welfare League, PEO, Bridge Club and later the Birthday Club with her retired friends. Rose became an avid line dancer until she was 80 years old. She would sometimes comment that the group would perform "for the old people" at the nursing home.

Rose became employed by the United Way as a bookkeeper. She ultimately became the executive director. Rose later went to work as a Realtor with J.J. Striebick. However, she never brought home a full commission because she would frequently defer part of her commission to help people get into their homes. Rose later joined in partnership with her friends to start The Bridal Shop. Again, they didn't generate much revenue because they were always giving people a deal to help them out. Rose had a huge heart, always putting others' needs ahead of her own.

Burt and Rose were active in the Elks Club, and enjoyed many a Saturday night dancing the night away. They made many lifelong friendships, including the Donahoes. The Young family enjoyed camping and eventually built a cabin at Coeur d'Alene Lake, which was shared with many friends and their families, boating and waterskiing.

Burt and Rose were blessed with four grandchildren. Rose was the ultimate grandmother who played a vital role in nurturing and shaping the lives of her grandchildren. Her grandchildren were the lights of her life.

Rose became lovingly known as "a crazy cat lady." She and Burt typically made a home for at least three cats and were always feeding strays.

Rose did not recover from Burt's death six years ago, a few months shy of 60 years of marriage. Her dementia accelerated after Burt's death. Rose lived at Wedgewood Terrace for the past three years. It is assumed that her fall, in which she broke her wrist and hip, was a catalyst for her death less than one month later. Rose died peacefully in her sleep at Guardian Angel Homes. I envision she and dad dancing together again.

Rose is survived by her sisters, JoAnn Boyd and Joyce Parr; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Howard Van Slyke; their three sons, Brandon, Tristan and Caleb; in addition to her great-grandchildren, Brandon's children, Ashlyn and Treyton Van Slyke. Rose is also survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Nancy Young; and Jeff's daughter, Shaelee Young. Rose was also "Gramma" to Nancy's daughters and grandchildren.

Special thanks to the staff at Wedgewood, Guardian Angel and David Keene for their loving care of Rose during her later, most difficult years, and to her friends, Marjie Johnson and Mary Lou Gruber, for their unconditional love and support of Rose.

A private family graveside service is pending.