Lillian Christine Young

With love and gratitude, we honor the life of Lillian Christine (Chris) Young, who passed away on May 8, 2025, at the age of 87. Although Chris is no longer with us, her kindness, her ongoing support for family and friends, and her love will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.

Chris was born in Ovett, MS, on July 10, 1937, to Forest and Hattie Tucker. In 1946, she moved with her family to Klamath Falls, Oregon. In 1955, Chris married her high school sweetheart, Larry Young. Larry was employed by the Federal Aviation Administration, and during his career, he was assigned to work in Winnemucca, NV, Ephrata, WA, and, finally, in 1979, they moved to Walla Walla, WA.

Chris dedicated her life and brought joy and love to Larry, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, co-workers, and friends. Family and friends meant everything to her. While her children, Brenda, Karen, and Kevin, were growing up, she served as a Sunday School teacher and church secretary, Bluebird and Campfire leader, was a PTA member, supported them through school projects and activities, and spent hours sewing costumes for dance and tumbling recitals. Her priority was to provide whatever was needed for her family.

She and Larry were active members of both Pioneer United Methodist Church and the Ephrata United Methodist Church, singing in the choir, serving in the nursery, and chairing committees. She enjoyed many years as a member of Beta Sigma Phi. She worked in Technology Services at Whitman College for 22 years and was mother hen to co-workers and students alike. She often reflected on the people around her and delighted in the fact that she was lovingly known by so many students and staff as “mom”. Chris and her friend Sally Kearsley were recipients of the Statewide WCA Citizens’ “Volunteer of the Year” award from the Washington Department of Corrections. They were recognized for their time and diligence mentoring, teaching, and advising those anticipating release from incarceration. They helped with such skills as resume writing, career planning, interviewing, obtaining housing, and general confidence-building. After retiring from Whitman, she dove into genealogy research, producing 50-plus family photo albums.

And…it must be said, she made a mean strawberry/rhubarb pie.

Chris is survived by her husband, Larry; daughter, Brenda Young; granddaughters, Emily Williams and Andrea George; daughter, Karen Liggett (Lance); granddaughters, Shelby Solivas and Micah Liggett; son, Kevin Young and partner, Yaier Ron-Rubinstein; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, and grandson, Jarod Liggett.

A graveside ceremony will be held in Klamath Falls, OR. A memorial service will be held on July 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at the Pioneer United Methodist Church in Walla Walla, WA.

Chris requested that memorial contributions be made to the Pioneer United Methodist Church in Walla Walla through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.