Elda Louise Youngs

Elda Louise (Wagoner) Youngs was born June 14, 1936, to Floyd Lyle and Irene Wilma (Hardman) Wagoner in Graham Co., Lenora, Kansas. Elda passed away on October 20, in McCook, Nebraska at McCook Community Hospital. Elda grew up in the small town of Lenora living on a farm and worked in their family-owned drugstore. Elda was very active during her school years and attended Lenora High School where she was cheerleader and drum majorette, and where her love of music was reflected with honors in piano and clarinet competitions. Elda went to Kansas State University to study nursing and nutrition and was named candidate for Homecoming Queen her freshman year. Elda was a people person and was excited about whatever she chose to do. 

Elda married the love of her life, Darrel Raymond Youngs, on June 12, 1955. They resided in McCook, NE and were members of the McCook United Methodist Church. Elda lived for her family with so much love and compassion for each one. They were her world! Creating wonderful memories, spending meaningful times together, sharing fun and the growing pains of life. She loved making homemade noodles and candy for the holidays, runzas, cookies, her famous oatmeal cake and any favorites of her kids and grandkids. She took in food to those in need, always sent cards to family and friends, and loved cross-stitching baby blankets for the grandkids and great grandkids. Elda cooked for custom combining harvesters in the early years and later worked for Dr. E. F. Leininger (family physician), the West Sale Barn, a public accountant, and then started her home-based health business with Neo-Life and Nikken promoting healthier lives. She tackled everything by setting goals, working hard, and approaching everything with a positive attitude. She was in PEO, Extension Club, Church Circle, Red Hats, and McCook Cordials. Elda loved to read, play bridge, pitch, and scrabble, and especially enjoyed playing board games and baking sugar cookies with the grandchildren. Her most precious times were always with her husband, daughters, and grandchildren. She also felt blessed to have so many strong friendships, both from early years and present, that have continued throughout her life. Elda was a caregiver for many family members including her husband and both sets of parents. 

Elda made an important decision in her life when she accepted the free gift of salvation God offers through His Son, Jesus Christ, and His death on the cross for her sins. She placed her trust in Jesus Christ as her Savior and received the gift of eternal life. “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” ~1 Peter 5:10

Elda is survived by her two children, Cyndia (Craig) Rose of Lantana, TX and Chris (Marty) Mitchell of Foxfield, CO; 4 grandchildren, Ashley (Dave) Snodgrass of Keller, TX, Seth Rose of Wylie, TX, Jake (Riley) Mitchell of Colorado Springs, CO and Luke Mitchell and Ashlyn of Cornelius, NC; 4 great grandchildren, Kaelyn and Abigail Snodgrass, and Tayler and Caleb Rose, her brother-in-law, Dennis (Shari) Youngs of McCook, NE, nephew Tyler (Elizabeth) Youngs of McCook, NE and many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Elda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Darrel, her sister, Joy Kronenberg, her parents Floyd and Irene Wagoner, her in-laws Chet and Opal Youngs, and her sister-in-law and brother -in-law, Leota and Jay Hickert.

For those of you that knew her well, Elda was an elegant and classy woman whose favorite colors were all shades of purple. Please feel free to honor her by adding purple to your attire for the service.

Funeral services will be held at McCook Memorial Methodist Church on Nov. 22, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Jeff Kelley officiating. Interment at Memorial Park Cemetery to follow. 

Memorial donations may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation 1359 Broadway Rm 1509, New York NY 10018-7867; McCook Heritage Senior Center, P.O. Box 1059 McCook, NE 69001; or McCook Memorial Methodist Church, 105 East E St McCook, NE 69001.