Ethel Grindstaff Young, age 82, of Arbuckle, went Home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 12th, 2024 at The Greens at Spruce Pine. A native of Mitchell County, she was a daughter of the late Squibb and Bunia Grindstaff. She was preceded in death as well by her beloved husband of 54 years, Harold Young, as well as seven sisters: Lela Grindstaff, Pansy Willis, Mae Good, Bonnie Smoot, Alice Scarlette, Mattie Whittney and Savannah Smith; and three brothers: Mack, Andrew and Everett Grindstaff.
How does one explain just how much Ethel’s life meant to so many? She spent a lifetime in her kitchen cooking for her family and friends, and was known for her hospitality to all who entered her home. One thing was for certain with Ethel – no one ever left her home hungry. She was also the friend who would spend hours on the phone being a great listener to all who just needed someone. She had a fun sense of humor and always had plenty of stories to share. Ethel was a longstanding member of Youngs Chapel Baptist Church. Ethel had the deepest love for her family and they were the most important thing in her life. She was the wife, mother, grandmother and friend who showed everyone just how extraordinary an ordinary life could be, and will be truly missed by all who knew and loved this precious lady.
Left to cherish her memory are her son, Harold Young, Jr. and wife, Mary, of Brevard, and two daughters: Janie Huntley and husband, Terry, of Arbuckle, and Melinda Clark and husband, Wayne, of Marion; seven grandchildren: Dylan Young (Rebecca), Keely Wellman (Robbie), Dalton Lee (Anna), Taylor Amerto (Avery), Matt Clark (Jaclyn), Brittany Martin (Patrick) and Haven Huntley; six great-grandchildren: Maxwell Young, Noah Young, Daxton Wellman, Grayson Lee, Savannah Martin and Isaiah Martin; and special friends: Mildred and R.C. James, and J.D. and Kathy Laws. Several nieces, nephews and other extended family survive her as well.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16th in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Johnny Bartlett will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the services. Private burial will be held in the Gus Young Cemetery.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of both Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge and The Greens at Spruce Pine for the wonderful care given to Ethel. Memorial donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse at P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
