Renee Marie Young

Finally the daily struggle to breathe and walk without pain is over for my mom. On Feb. 7, 2016, she took a long, easy breath and walked, maybe ran, into the loving arms of her husband, Jack, who has been patiently waiting. There is no doubt she and my dad had front row seats to watch their Broncos play in the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Renee was born on April 22, 1932, to David and Pauline Sagel in Fort Morgan, Colo. It was on the family farm that she found her unending faith, incredible strength and admirable work ethic. She met the love of her life, Jack Young, in eighth grade, and graduated from Fort Morgan High School in 1950. She started as a proofreader in the local print shop, then advanced to a Linotype operator at the Fort Morgan Times, where she worked for seven years.

After many years together, Jack and Renee married on April 29, 1953. They moved to Billings in 1960 to allow Jack the opportunity to pursue a teaching career. Renee found her career at the Billings Gazette, where she worked for 28 years before retiring in 1989. In 1986, Jack and Renee opened Step'n Out Formal Wear with their daughter and son-law, Kelly and David. They were proud owners, spending many nights and hours hemming pants and washing shirts for weddings and proms aplenty.

Her grandchildren Kesley and Cole were the light of her life. She loved them beyond words. Cole will tell you she is the reason he is the athlete he is today. She could play goalie and catcher with the best of them! Her favorite activities with Kesley and Cole were playing Old Maid, Go Fish, Tiddlywinks and Chinese Checkers. No matter how busy or tired, she always dropped everything for her grandkids.

We can't forget about her dog, Kola. Renee's schedule revolved around Kola's wants, needs and attention for years. In the midst of her many health struggles, Kola was the reason she got out of bed every morning. Their love for each other was unconditional. After Renee moved to Westpark Village, she looked forward to visits from her baby, Kola.

Not long ago, Renee said her faith in God helped her to tolerate more than she ever thought she could. Our mom and grandma was, without a doubt, the strongest woman we have ever known. It is her strength, faith and determination that we will strive to live each and every day by.

Surviving Renee is her daughter Kelly and son-in-law David Jones; grandchildren, Kesley and Cole; her dog and faithful companion, Kola; her sisters, Eloise Hanson, LaVonne Lage and Virginia McCracken; her special niece, Jan Schiller and family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack; parents, David and Pauline Sagel; brother, Leonard; nephew, Kurt McCracken.

Please join us as we celebrate the life of Renee Young at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, at the First United Methodist Church, 2800 Fourth Ave. N.

Memorials may be made in Renee's name to the Billings Clinic c/o Pulmonary Rehab (attention: Christine), 801 N. 29th St., Billings, MT 59101.