Gaylen W. Young

Gaylen W. Young, age 79, of Tipp City, OH passed away on Sunday, January 6, 2019 at her residence.  She was born on May 31, 1939 in Tulsa, OK to the late Leslie A. and Gladys Wilsey.

In addition to her parents, Gaylen was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Richard J. (Dick) Young, in 2012.

Gaylen is survived by her brother, George Lair; step children: Kelley Young of Jamestown, OH, Evan Young of Glouster, OH, and Stacey Young of Washington, DC; step grandchildren: Lauren, Michael, and David Young; step great grandchild: William McKnight; niece Gina Zahner and nephew Greg Lair; and brother George Lair. She is also survived by Murphy, the cat she and Dick loved.

Gaylen attended Colorado College, and went on to a long career in the health care field. She worked for the American Hospital Association in Chicago from December 1974 to May 1993, beginning in the Bureau of Professional Services. In 1977 she became the first woman appointed as a Regional Director, heading up Region 5 (which included Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin). She subsequently served as Program Liaison Officer for AHA’s business relationships with all state hospital associations, and later as director of AHA’s relationships with business coalitions on health, developing health policy and delivery in metropolitan areas.

Gaylen and Dick also lived in Maumee, OH and Smyrna, GA, and for many years pre- and post-retirement in Savannah, GA, where they were able to share their avid interest in golf. During their time in Savannah, Gaylen earned certification as a Master Gardener; she also served as a member of the Board of Governors of The Landings Club and as a volunteer at The Bamboo Farm. 

Please join a celebration of the life of Gaylen W. Young on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 2 pm. We will share stories of Gaylen's life and remember our joy in having known and loved her. We will gather at 4661 Cobblestone Drive, Tipp City, Ohio. Light fare provided. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of the United States, Dept HACDQ100904001, 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450, Washington DC  20037, or Hospice of Miami County, PO Box 502, Troy, Ohio 45373.

Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.