Beulah Viola “Boots” Young
Age 92, of Canton, passed away peacefully Monday September 26, 2016 in the company of caregivers and family. Boots joined her husband, Walter D. Young who preceded her in death in 1979. Boots’ life of service began in her younger years as a beautician, devout Christian and later became a full-time wife and mother. She assisted her husband, an Elder in the Church of Christ, with many church and community programs. They were both instrumental in spear-heading the development of the North Eastern Ohio Christian Youth Camp (NEOCYC) which still operates today in Lisbon, OH. While a member of Market Ave. Church of Christ she served as a Sunday school teacher, cook for the Golden Agers and coordinator of food services for the annual youth meetings. Boots served on the PTA committee in Canton Local Schools where she held many offices and was instrumental in many of the fund raising campaigns. Boots really knew her way around the kitchen, cooking and baking for countless pot lucks, fundraisers and serving as “head chef” at NEOCYC. She was also an integral leader in the local Girl Scouts program serving as a volunteer board member for many years, touching the hearts and lives of many young women. She was awarded the “Thank You” badge in scouting for her countless hours of dedication. She was a member of The Arc of Stark County where she assisted with their summer camp. After the loss of her husband, Boots relocated to Parkersburg, WV where she served as a dorm mother and student center organizer at Ohio Valley University for more than 5 years. In 1985, the Rochester, Minnesota Church of Christ recruited her to lead them in a new endeavor; Boots became the house mother at the House of Compassion, a benevolent boarding home for patients and their family to stay while seeking treatment at the Mayo Clinic. For 25 years, Boots provided a nurturing, compassionate environment, a safe haven; the smell of fresh brewed coffee in the morning, and a delicious Sunday dinner for thousands of weary travelers from around the world. Boots was also well known for her dedication in correspondence, keeping in touch with most every visitor to the house and maintaining a Christmas Card list totaling in the thousands. Her kind, compassionate, devoted soul will be deeply missed. Boots is also preceded in death by two daughters, Sandy and Janine Young. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Beverly Kocar Ray and William Ray; a son, Henry Young; two granddaughters, Sandi Kocar and Savanna Young; great-granddaughter, Lily. There will be no public services, memorial donations in Boots’ memory may be made to Hands of Compassion at 840 West Center St., Rochester MN 55902 or Crossroads Hospice at 3743 Boettler Oaks Dr., Suite E., Uniontown, OH 44685. Condolences or fond memories may be shared online at www.sandersfuneralhomes.com
Kreighbaum-Sanders
330-484-2525