Harriet "Becky" Hope Young

Harriet “Becky” Young, 92, of Marietta, Ohio died on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. She was born on February 14, 1934, in Gary, Indiana to the late James Raymond and Catherine Freer Thompson. She was a graduate of Wm. A. Wirt High School in Gary, Indiana and attended University of Vermont and graduated from Ohio University with a B.S. in Education.

Becky was a teacher and then Parent Teacher Consultant in the Marietta City School District for 32 years, where the school nurse introduced her to her husband of 53 years, Paul “PD” Young. She made many lifelong friends among her coworkers and students who continued to visit her up until her final days.

Her travels took her around the world, including the many years she lived in Malaysia. She loved to travel and could often be found with PD headed north to Nova Scotia or south to Florida. They even spent one summer taking their motorhome on a path out west along a north trail one way and a south trail the other so they could hit as many states as possible. In the end there was only one state she missed, and that was Alaska, which she had planned to see from a cruise ship this September.

She was an avid crafter and made quilts for all her family’s graduations and births. She enjoyed cooking creatively and was always trying new recipes while keeping her classics alive for the holidays.

She was an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Marietta. She loved Marietta and her teaching community. She served as Past President of Marietta United Way, Betsey Mills Girls Council, Board Member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Past President of Alpha Delta Kappa, Teacher’s Honorary, Washington Co. Retired Teachers Association, Past President of Marietta Education Association, Graduate of the first Telesis class, Sustaining Member of Parkersburg Junior League, Jennings Scholar and served on many committees involving children including the Children’s Doll and Toy Museum.

Becky was the matriarch of five generations. Those who carry on her legacy include her children, Karen Deeter (Scott Burnside), Don Flanagan (Sarah), Janet Winterstein (Scott); six grandchildren, Keri Dunn (Jim), Max Delaplane (Jenna), Kyle (Jocelyn), Devon (Glorianna), Mallory (Nick Lesueur) and Kyra (Tyson Huck) Flanagan; thirteen great-grandchildren, Krista (John), Kaitlyn (Dana), Kasey (Joel), Emily (Lindsey), Alex, Bentley, Zoey, Colson, Ruth Joy, Calvin and Maxine; nine great-great grandchildren, Jack, Zayla, Timber, Weston, Karolina, Emslie, Landon, Laken, Rowen; PD’s cousins, Jane Young, Debbie Brown (Ed), and Jeff Young. She will also be missed by former daughter-in-law, Kathi Carr and lifelong-friend, Ann Bailey.

Becky was preceded in death by her loving husband, Paul.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 4:00-7:00pm at the MARIETTA CHAPEL OF CAWLEY & PEOPLES FUNERAL HOME, 408 Front St. Marietta, OH. Funeral services at 11:00am Saturday at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 320 Second St. Marietta, OH with Rev. Gene Sheppard as officiant.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Marietta United way or St. Luke’s Episcopal Women’s Club, 320 Second St., Marietta, OH 45750.

CAWLEY & PEOPLES FUNERAL HOME OF MARIETTA is honored to serve Becky’s family and offers online condolences as well as many other resources by visiting www.CawleyandPeoples.com or by following their Facebook page.