Beverly J. (Werner) Young, 96 of Indiana, died Monday, May 20, 2024, at St. Andrew’s Village, Indiana. Born June 4, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Guy Smith and Esther (Krewall) Smith. Following the loss of her parents, she was adopted at the age of two by William and Mary Werner, Canton, OH. She was the widow of Dr. David Young, who died March 17, 2017. They had been married 62 years.
Beverly earned a BS degree in Education from Kent State University, majoring in English. She taught in the Ohio Public Schools for sixteen years.
In 1968 she and her husband moved to Indiana. Beverly volunteered to direct plays under the sponsorship of IUP Student Union from 1969 to 1972. In 1976 she received a nursing degree from IUP.
One of her proudest accomplishments was working with her husband and other members of the English Department to save Sutton Hall, which had been scheduled for demolition.
In 1978 Dr. Young was invited to join the Communications Department to teach photography. He had entered his photographs in area art shows. Beverly also submitted some of her own paintings at the same art exhibitions. Both were under contract as exhibiting artists in the Artists Hand Gallery.
Beverly served on the board of the Indiana Art Association and often volunteered to teach painting classes.
In June 1979 she joined the IUP Theater By The Grove as business and publicity manager until her retirement in 1989.
For many years, a writing group met at the Young’s house. The members of the group changed through the years but the routine was the same. Beverly made a light meal and David brewed coffee, then the poetry and short stories were read.
Beverly loved camping and traveled across the United States several times with her husband. She often told friends that seeing this country changed her life. “Its grandeur brought tears to my eyes,” she said.
Beverly will be missed by dear friends for her sense of humor and infectious laugh, her can-do spirit, her knack for engaging conversation and storytelling, her sense of style, and a keenly creative mind.
Per Beverly’s wishes, no services are planned. Cremation arrangements are with Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home & Crematory of Indiana.
