Donna Young Obituary

Donna May Young, lifelong resident of Ignacio, died peacefully on December 19, 2022 in Gilbert, AZ. Donna was born the eldest daughter of Ruben Okla and Lillie Lunsford, on July 28, 1935.

Donna married Jerry Lee Young on March 16, 1957 and they were married until his passing in 1999. Donna is survived by their three daughters; Terri Martin of Chandler, AZ, Christy Vogel (Don) of La Selva Beach, CA, and Stacey Young, of Surprise, AZ. She has four grandchildren; Lanee Roth (Brian) of Albuquerque, NM, Adam Martin (Jessica) of Chandler, AZ, Kisha Quezada (Dorian), of Gilbert, AZ, and Cassidy Murdock of Williamstown, VT. She has 9 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Donna was preceded in death by husband Jerry, both her parents and her sister Bonnie Phillips. Donna subsequently married Gene Barry, who currently resides in his home state of Illinois.

Donna served as the executive director of the Southern Ute Community Action Program (SUCAP) for 35 years beginning in 1969. She was a visionary and collaborated with others, including Southern Ute Chairman Leonard C. Burch, Eugene Naranjo and Chris A. Baker, to leverage funds set aside for American Indians to serve a broader population. Donna led initiatives vital to the Ignacio and Southern Ute community including the local ambulance service, the Ignacio Senior Center, the Southern Ute Head Start and Early Head Start program, and Peaceful Spirit, a residential and outpatient rehabilitation center for addictions. During her time as executive director of SUCAP Donna was called to Washington to teach other rural directors how to write effective grant proposals for their community. Donna was very proud of the work she did with SUCAP and enjoyed her time with the program.

Beyond her professional life, Donna was a committed local volunteer, serving for many years as an EMT and ambulance driver with the Ignacio ambulance service and as a trusted board member for local organizations including the Ignacio Town Board and Mercy Medical Center. Donna was a faithful supporter of Ignacio Community Church. Donna always made time for people and was an avid cook, teaching herself how to cook after she was married. She loved cooking for friends and family.

A celebration of Donna's life will be held in Ignacio at a later date. As a celebration of Donna please consider giving a donation in Donna's name to SoCoCAA (https://sococaa.org/), Ignacio Community Church (https://www.ignaciocommunitychurch.org/), or the American Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/).