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Kay Young Obituary
Kay L Young
May 22, 2022
Starting her own family at a very young age, she married and had four sons, Gary, Kim, David, and Ron Hinkley. After raising her family she enrolled at UNL and graduated with a bachelor's degree in both English and Botany. She then completed a Master's degree in Intercultural Studies and Folklore in Bowling Green, Kentucky. During her following professional life she was employed at UNL's Morrill Hall, at Fontenelle Forest, and the San Bernardino County Museum in California. She then became the Head Naturalist at Pioneers Park Nature Center until she retired in 1999.
Her second career was to help raise her grandchildren. She instilled in them her love for plants and gardening, wildlife, words, scientific investigation and cooking. She was a folklorist, (ethno) botanist, scholar, teacher, author ('Wild Seasons'), and loving grandmother. Her deep respect and cultural understanding of Native Americans adds to the many facets that made up her life. Her gentle hand will be greatly missed by many.
She is survived by her four sons Kim (Michelle), Gary (Susanne), David (Judy) and Ron (Toni), and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
There will be a Celebration of Kay's Life held on June 11th, at the Pioneers Park Nature Center. Friends are welcome any time from 10am to 4pm.
Memories and Condolences
for Kay Young
Wayne Svoboda
June 11, 2022
So sorry to hear about Kay's passing. Hadn't seen her for ages but will always remember her.
She 'enlisted' me to help transplant native plants from a road construction project south of Lincoln to the Indian Center grounds. THAT was Kay!
Dave and Linda Titterington
June 11, 2022
She was a good friend and mentor. Kay taught me a lot that made me a knowledgeable teacher naturalist at the Nature Center. Her doll lore stories were always captivating. Thank you Kay
Carolyn HALL
June 2, 2022
In the past 3 weeks I have thought of Kay many times. I'm sure she is in a better place but will be missed by many. I love her "Wild Seasons" cookbook. The lamb's quarter is just now getting tall enough to pick. Carolyn Hall, Bassett, NE
Janet (Larson) Everhart
May 30, 2022
Been years since I´ve seen Kay, sorry to hear of her death. I´m Marian (Young) Larsons daughter. Prayers & condolences to family.
Marilyn McNabb
May 30, 2022
Kay was way ahead of her time in helping people to appreciate native vegetation and indigenous peoples' knowledge of its uses.
Pamela Bloom Gullang
May 28, 2022
I'm so sorry just hear about your loss.
but every time you go to the nature center and you walk around you will feel mom there walking with you every time and you'll feel her love.
Gail Littrell
May 28, 2022
I´m sorry for your loss. I worked with Kay at the Museum. She was a sweetheart!
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