Cecelia "Tootie" Young

Cecelia "Tootie" Young, passed away on March 26, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born on February 10, 1941, and was ever proud of her Adair County, Iowa roots. Thanks to these roots, she was a hard worker and never met a stranger; always welcoming others with the more-the-merrier mindset. Her parents Ivan Ward and Elva Pool lovingly gave her the nickname "Tootie" as she was unable to pronounce suitcase, pronouncing it "toot case". Cecelia's idea of misbehaving as a kid was sneaking the new family puppy into the car before leaving for their weekly grocery trip. As they traveled down the gravel road towards town, when the pup barked, Ivan locked eyes with "Toots" in the rearview mirror. Instead of turning around to return the dog to the farm, Ivan dealt her gentle punishment. She was to sit in the car with the pup while her dear sister (and best friend) Colleen walked around the town square.

In September 1958, she married Pat Bower of Bridgewater and together raised 5 children: Steven, Douglas, Brian, Kevin, and Donna. As a farmer's wife she thoroughly loved being a mother, caretaker, and to bake & cook - ensuring no visitor ever left hungry. During this time, she gained another nickname, CeCe, which made her happy. The extent of her disciplining her children consisted of tapping the yardstick on the kitchen table while commanding them to sit and learn how to play cards. Having sons resulted in a few fistfights, once about a mile from home, she kicked three sons out of the car for fighting. They ran home on the gravel road while she drove slowly behind them - ensuring they were friends by the time they arrived home. Another memorable incident is when one son frustrated her while she was making hamburger patties, resulting in a fastpitch style throw of a quarter-pounder. Many of her fond farm memories included taking meals to the farmers working in the fields, feeding four hungry boys & their friends, making homemade cinnamon rolls, and hiding freshly baked cookies in the freezer so they would not be devoured.

The surprise of her life happened when she was in her 40's and met her half-sister, Hilda. Having kindred spirits, the three sisters: Hilda, Colleen, and Cecelia quickly became the best of friends.

Over the years, she gained four wonderful daughters-in-law and one son-in-law: all of whom she adopted into her family as if they were her own. Into her ever-growing family, she has 14 grandkids and 17 great grandkids all who adore her.
In April 2007, she and Curt Young married at Bishop Drum Retirement Center, where they worked and met. During their nineteen years of marriage, they shared many laughs and made several trips to their favorite places including restaurants and to Ames, IA, where she loved to shop. They both enjoyed giving to others, especially during the COVID pandemic.

She was a friend to all and encountered difficult things in her life. That said, she kept pushing through with ever-present happiness and unique laugh. She passed on a plethora of positive traits to each of her children and many along her life's journey.

We find peace in knowing she knew Jesus Christ our Savior and has eternal life, which means she has reconnected with her loved ones and is listening to music, playing cards or dancing in heaven.

A very special thank you to Suncrest Hospice, especially her care team who she also lovingly welcomed into her family: Dawn, Jason, Riley, Bailey, and Eva.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Iles Grandview Park Chapel in Des Moines, Iowa. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines. Visitation will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, March 31, at Iles Grandview Park Chapel. Condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel in Des Moines.