Shawnee Rae Young

Shawnee Rae Young passed away peacefully in her sleep after a courageous struggle with ALS on October 5, 2024 in Salem, Oregon.

Shawnee was born on March 4, 1955 in Long Beach, California to her late parents, UlaRae and Richard Sellers. When she was 4 years old, her family moved to Salem, Oregon, where she would live for the majority of her life. Shawnee’s singular gift for nurturing relationships through her kindness and individual attention created countless lifelong friendships. She was able to get to know and be a friend to everyone.

While attending Brigham Young University, Shawnee met her eternal sweetheart, David Reed Young, and they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 6, 1976. They recently celebrated their 48th anniversary.

Shawnee loved her childhood horses and animals, had a wonderful talent for baking delicious pies and rolls, and was always up for going on hikes and outdoor adventures, especially snorkeling.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Shawnee followed the loving example of her Savior. Her heart of gold blessed her community, her church, and most important, her family, through her years of dedicated and selfless service. Her most treasured roles were that of mother and Nani, and her happiest times were when she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren. We delight in the knowledge that she will continue to have an influence in our lives.

Shawnee is survived by her husband, David Young; her sons, Justin (Maile) Young of Gilbert, Arizona, and Jacob (Morgan) of Redmond, Oregon; daughters, Daisha (Cole) of Salem, Oregon, and Shayla (Bryan) of Gilbert, Arizona; and 19 grandchildren. Additionally, she has a wonderful family of six siblings who loved and supported her throughout her life: Kent (Rolayne) Sellers; Dan (Marian) Sellers; Melanie (Jim) Reynolds; Wendy (late Steve Lakey), (Alan) Robertson; Robert Sellers (Sheri Stuart); and Kory (Diane) Sellers.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024 at 10:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (4550 Lone Oak Rd SE, Salem, OR). A reception for family and friends will immediately follow. There will be no viewing prior to the service.

Prior to her passing, Shawnee made arrangements to donate her brain, spinal column, and tissue for ALS research. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to ALS Northwest. 

Copy this link in to your web browser to make a donation in Shawnee's name

www.alsnorthwest.org