Darlene 'Dolly' Young

 Darlene (Dolly) M. Young, formerly of Champaign, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 7:43am at her home in Springfield. Dolly was born June 22, 1933 in Thomasboro, to Charles and Lena (Smith) Rotramel. They preceded her in death. She was the youngest of 8 children, 6 of whom preceded her in death. Her brother, William (Bill) Rotramel survives.

Dolly married the love of her life, Frank C. Young, Sr on June 28, 1952. He survives. Together they raised 6 children: Jennie Young of Springfield, Frank C. Young, Jr (Kathy) of Mahomet, Susan Fitzgerald of Springfield, Teresa St. Clair of Springfield, Thomas (Emily) of Hudson, FL and Timothy (Lisa) of Champaign. Also surviving are their 16 grandchildren: Tiffany Fitzgerald, Selena (Keith) Redd, Michelle (Troy) Miller, Jason (Molly) Young, Tia & Adam St. Clair, Shannah (Anthony) Livingston, Justin, Claire & Isabella Young, Christopher, Andrew, Leanna, Michael, Nathan & Joshua Young. They also have 11 great-grandchildren: Brittani (Frank) Galbo, Spencer & Reagan Redd, Ryan & Tyler Miller, Jeron Hannon, Aubri Young, Connor, Colton & Caiden Johnson, and Lela Day. And last but not least, one great-great grandchild, Eli Galbo.

Dolly was well known as the singing waitress at Dom's Patio Villa, for her Christmas cookies, and as a loving mother and grandmother to anyone who came close enough for a hug. She sang quite often simply for the love of it, but many were willing to pay her to sing at their events. She was extremely active with her husband at the American Legion Post 24, Champaign, where she was a Past President of the Ladies Auxiliary. For many years they were an integral part of the Legion's Community Children's Christmas Party. They enjoyed participating in any activities that recognized and supported Veterans, such as collecting blankets, calendars and other supplies to be delivered to the VA hospital in Danville. They attended Holy Cross Catholic Church; Dolly sat in the back row, while Frank ushered at 9:30 Mass on Sundays.

The visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 1 from 5-7 pm at Owens Funeral Home (101 N. Elm St, Champaign). Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Feb. 2 at 10:30 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church (403 W. Clark, Champaign). Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana.

Memorials may be made to the Ladies' Auxiliary, American Legion Post 24, 705 Bloomington Rd, Champaign, IL, 61820.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darlene 'Dolly' Young, please visit our floral store.