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Weslaco/Progreso Lakes: Kathy Ann Young, 74, passed away on Thursday, January 24th, 2019 at Edinburg Regional Hospital after a six-year battle with Parkinson's. Kathy was born on August 7th, 1944 in Saginaw, Michigan to Don Smith and Phyllis Bissonette Smith. She and her sister Gayle went to high school in Caro, Michigan. For her Senior year in high school, Kathy, who was a beautiful person inside and out, was elected Queen of her high school class. Shortly after high school, while living at the YMCA, Alec Young would come into her life. They were married six months later, April 23rd, 1966 and have been inseparable since. Soon after Kathy and Alec were married they were invited to visit Weslaco and Mexico by their close friends and neighbors, Gil and Mary Ellen. They fell in love with the area, and when Alec asked if she would consider relocating, Kathy didn't hesitate. The couple moved to Weslaco and spent the rest of their lives together in the Rio Grande Valley. Kathy was a devoted wife and was instrumental in her husband's success in business and his first project, Rio Valley Estates. Kathy worked as an administrative assistant for most of her life, and many will remember her from her twelve years at Sigler, Winston, & Greenwood. Kathy always traveled with Alec when he had to go away for work. They were able to enjoy many vacations together, including Acapulco, Tucson, Las Vegas, and Laughlin, to name a few. They were a perfect team. Kathy will mostly be remembered for her big heart. She was one of the kindest, most generous people on Earth. Her home was open, and guests were always welcome. They would often leave with a gift from combs to jewelry and everything in between. The stories of her generosity are endless. Kathy never met a stranger and was friendly and gentle to all who crossed her path. Her laughter was contagious, and she was always full of smiles and cheerfulness. Kathy was sincere, honest, and humble. Although she and Alec did not have children of their own, Kathy loved children and had many that thought of her as their own mom. She always had a house full of pets who she loved to care for. Most important to Kathy, which explains her lifelong character, was her love of the Lord, who she is now smiling at with that twinkle in her eye that she had when she thought something was extra great! Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Don and Phyllis Smith and brother in law, Duncan Young (Gwen). She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Alec G. Young, sister, Gayle (William) O'Kelley of Burt, Michigan, brother in law, Bryan Young (Olga) of Dayton, Ohio, sister in law, Beverly Ann Essex (Walter) of Alma, Michigan, nephews, Mark Young (Bridgette)and William O'Kelley; nieces, Melissa Young, Mischelle King (Todd), Sara Rodriguez (Miguel), Lynn (Dennis) Robuck, and Penny (Scott) Miller; great-nephews and nieces, Sam Young, Christian and Emily Rodriguez, Morgan, Megan, and Caleb King, Josh and Laura Robuck, Logan and Justin Miller and numerous beloved pets. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 28, 2019, 11 am, at McCaleb Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Texas Elks Children's Services, Inc. in Gonzales, TX, specifically Texas Elks Grants for Children with Special Needs, which was near and dear to her heart. https://texaselks.org/special-grants/

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Kathy Ann Young

August 7, 1941 - January 24, 2019