MARY EVELYN YOUNG

Mary Evelyn Young, 80, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 7:26 p.m. Saturday, December 28, 2013 at her home. Born on November 5, 1933 in Cederville, she was the daughter of Clifford Jean Balyeat Sr. and Daisy (Gratz) Fisher.

She was a Navy Veteran and following the Navy attended Beauty College.Mary had worked over 20 years for Precision Plastics, retiring in 1998.She was a member of the American Legion Post 98, VFW 5582, Moose, Eagles and U.S.B.C.She enjoyed bowling, baking, and traveling worldwide. Mary was a very carrying lady and enjoyed helping others.

Survivors include her daughters, Gail (Joe M. Pittenger) Strickland of Churubusco and Claudia (Dave) Lightfoot of Warsaw; sons, William A. Strickland Jr. of Blackshear, GA, Bruce Strickland and Norris Strickland both of Columbia City; brother, Clifford (Charlene) Balyeat of Albion, IN; 16 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her father and mother; and husband in 1980, Charles S. Young.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2014 from 2 to 7 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2014 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Greenhill with Military Honors being presented by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans and US Navy. Memorial gifts may be given in Mrs. Youngs memory to the American Legion Post 98 or VFW 5582.