05/20/2025

Obituary for Mary Jane Young

Mother of Eric Young, Funeral Director at Snyder Funeral Homes

For Mary Jane Young, her work as a registered nurse meant that every day she would touch a life – or a life would touch her. Her commitment to the very heart of healthcare showed she had the strength to tolerate everything – and the softness to understand everyone. Proud to serve her community, and proud of her nursing career, Mary Jane passed away Wednesday May 14, 2025 at The Meadows of Marion. She was 87.

Born Mary Jane West on February 3, 1938 in Galion, she was the daughter of Grant and Bernice (Schnegelsberger) West, both now deceased. Mary Jane graduated from Galion High School in 1956, and earned her degree in nursing from the White Cross Hospital School of Nursing in 1959.

She loved nursing and her patients, and she worked at White Cross, Riverside Methodist, Fairview General, Galion Community, and Bucyrus Hospitals. She delighted in her years working in labor and delivery – often bringing babies in this world all by herself. Mary Jane was responsible for infection control in the Galion Community during the 1980s AIDS crisis, and her compassion and knowledge during this period touched many people. Of her 34 years working with Galion Community Hospital, her last 25 years were as Infection Control Officer, retiring in 2002.

She married Val Young on December 28, 1958, and they were blessed with two children. She was a Cub Scout leader and 4H leader, and ensured the family had an annual vacation and always went whole-hog celebrating Christmas.

Mary Jane sang at numerous weddings through the years, she sang in the church choir, and she found joy in lifting her voice in song. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Galion, Copus Hill Model A Chapter, and Penn Ohio Model A Club. She loved traveling on Model A tours with her family and friends.

She was a member of Marion County Volunteer Medical Reserve Core, and Warpole Order of Eastern Star, serving as an officer several years.

Mary Jane leaves a legacy as a caring woman whose life demonstrated kindness. Be kind whenever possible – and for Mary Jane it was always possible.

She is survived by her children Valery (Jeff) Johnson, of Prospect and Eric (Kathy) Young of Galion; her sister Phyllis Goorley of Galion; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her husband Val preceded her in death on August 24, 2018

The family received friends Sunday, May 18, 2025 in Snyder Funeral Home Richardson Davis Chapel, 218 South Market St., Galion, Ohio 44833. Her funeral service were held Monday with Pastor Joe Stafford officiating. Burial will followed in Fairview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Marion Senior Center-Transportation or Tranquility Hospice may be made at the funeral home.

Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Young family. Share a message of support with them – and watch Mary Jane’s tribute video – online at: SnyderFuneralHomes.com

Snyder Funeral Home Richardson Davis Chapel in Galion is honored to serve the family of Mary Jane Young, and condolences may be made to them at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.