Longtime Valley resident Virginia M. Young, 92, passed away on May 24, 2016, at the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake. It is difficult to say goodbye, but wonderful to remember and honor such a kind and loving heart.

Virginia was born in Del Norte, Colorado, the fifth child of Oscar L. and Mamie A. Schmidt Million. She spent her growing-up years with summers on the Million Ranch in South Fork and winters at the family home in Del Norte. Virginia often told stories about the ranch and enduring life lessons learned from experiences there. After high school, she attended Adams State College and graduated with a B.A. degree in 1945. She married the love of her life, returning veteran W. Robert Young, in 1949 and lived in Denver while he pursued his M.A. degree at D.U. They both returned to the Valley and taught in the Alamosa schools until their only daughter Laurie was born, then moved to Del Norte where he took the position of Elementary School Principal, and she taught business in high school. Countless young students learned their typing and finance skills over the years from “Mrs. Young.” Virginia was widowed in 1966, saying goodbye to her beloved Robert and raising Laurie on her own. After completing work for an M.A. degree in Business Education in 1970, she continued teaching until 1982 when she retired after 22 years at Del Norte High School. Retirement consisted of all those activities that routinely get put on hold while working, and she enjoyed each and every one to the fullest.

Known to her close friends and family as “Ginny,” to her daughter as “Mom,” and to her grandchildren as “Ginnymom,” Virginia was loved not only by her family, but by the many individuals she helped and cared for over the years. Generous with her time, love and “Ginnymom smooches,” she did for family and friends what they could no longer do for themselves. She was a mother and friend who made a lovely difference in every life she touched.

Virginia is survived by her daughter Laurie (Keith) Bratton of South Fork; her grandchildren Amanda (Jim) Swanson of Eagle, Colorado; and Ashlee Bratton of Frisco, Colorado; her great grandchildren Calvin and Piper Swanson; and her nieces Diane Le Zotte of Arlington, Virginia; and Judy Drill of Dallas, Oregon.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, her parents, husband Robert Young, and sisters Margaret Le Zotte and Alice Knox.

A family service will be held at a later time this summer to honor her life and share wonderful memories. To express condolences or share memories with the family, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com or send a note to the Arbor House Inn in South Fork, CO.