Ms. Shirley Jean (Martin) Young, 81, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully from natural causes at Brickyard Healthcare Center in Elkhart on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 5:52 p.m. Though tiny in stature at just 4’11”, Shirley’s personality, heart, and spirit filled every room she entered. She was a woman whose warmth could brighten even the darkest day, and whose kindness left a permanent mark on countless lives. To know Shirley was to be loved by her.

Over the years, Shirley became one of the most familiar and cherished faces at the healthcare center. Whether she was visiting with residents, checking in on staff members, or simply offering one of her trademark smiles and heartfelt conversations, she became the unofficial ambassador of goodwill there. She possessed a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, heard, and important. She did not merely ask how you were doing—she genuinely wanted to know, and she cared deeply about the answer.

Shirley was born in Plainwell, Michigan on September 16, 1944 to the late Duane Lee and Lois M. (Powell) Martin. She was also preceded in death by the love of her life and devoted husband, Howard R. Young, Sr., with whom she shared a lifetime of love, hard work, laughter, and unwavering devotion until his passing in December of 2018. Also preceding her in death were her beloved son, Melvin Young; her sister and lifelong sidekick, Alta “Shorty” McCreary; and her cherished granddaughter, Catrina Bailey.

Left to carry forward Shirley’s legacy of love are her children: Duane Young and Howard Young, Jr., both of Elkhart; Debra Manns of Kendallville, Indiana; Theresa (Tom) Shriner and Jackie Sims, both of Elkhart; Stella (Frank) Roberts of Paris, Texas; and Blanche (Jeff) Peerce of Glendale, Kentucky. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were constant sources of pride and joy in her life. Shirley also leaves behind a large extended family, countless dear friends, and an entire church family who adored her and will miss her beyond words.

For Shirley, faith was not merely something she practiced on Sundays—it was woven into every part of her life. She and Howard were faithful members of Riverview General Baptist Church for more than two decades, and the church became the center of her world. Shirley loved her church deeply and treasured her relationship with Pastor Rick Pirtle, whom she respected and admired immensely. She served joyfully as a Sunday School teacher, encourager, helper, greeter, prayer warrior, and friend to anyone who walked through those church doors. Her faith guided her actions, shaped her character, and overflowed naturally into the kindness she showed others every single day. If Shirley loved you—and she loved nearly everyone—she made certain you knew it.

Shirley spent more than 40 years working side-by-side with Howard operating Young’s Floor Care, proving daily that hard work and dedication were simply part of who she was. In addition, she devoted 18 years to housekeeping at the Elkhart Clinic and nearly another decade at Atwood Products. No matter where she worked, Shirley never treated people like strangers or customers. To her, everyone was simply another friend she had not met yet.

Outside of work and church, Shirley found joy in the simple but meaningful things in life. She absolutely loved gospel music and treasured every opportunity to spend time with family, swap stories, and keep up on the latest family happenings. She was endlessly proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and never missed a chance to brag about them to anyone willing to listen—which was usually everyone around her.

She enjoyed watching NCIS, Hallmark movies, and the Lifetime Channel with near-religious dedication, often becoming completely invested in the lives of fictional characters as though they were members of her own family. She loved playing bingo with her sister Shorty, and together the two shared enough laughter and mischief to last several lifetimes. Shirley also possessed a practical wisdom that made many consider her a “jack of all trades.” If something needed fixed, figured out, organized, or solved, Shirley somehow always found a way.

More than anything else, however, Shirley simply loved people. She loved conversation. She loved laughter. She loved helping others carry their burdens. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel comfortable and cared for. Her compassion was effortless, her generosity was constant, and her heart was enormous.

In accordance with her wishes, Shirley’s life and legacy will be celebrated at Riverview General Baptist Church, 1201 Indiana Avenue in Elkhart, on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., with visitation beginning there at 12 noon. Pastor Rick Pirtle will officiate, and burial will follow at Union Center Cemetery near Nappanee.

While her family’s hearts are heavy with loss, they take comfort in knowing that Shirley’s love, laughter, faith, and goodness will continue living on through every person she encouraged, every child she hugged, every friend she comforted, and every life she touched. The world feels a little quieter without Shirley Young in it—but Heaven surely became a much friendlier place the moment she arrived.