Ronal Theo Young — 1925-2007 — peacefully passed on to the next life on April 6, 2007. He was born on August 10, 1925 in Tucson, Arizona to William H. Young and Effie M. Butler—the last of eight children. "Being on the tail end, I was sometimes referred to as the caboose. I’m sure glad that Mother and Dad did not stop at seven, for I am grateful to be born of goodly parents.", Dad wrote in his personal history. He also says that he "was a restless child who had to always be doing something", a characteristic that stuck with him throughout his life. Consequently, he was able to accomplish much during his lifetime.

In 1946, he went with a friend to work on a ranch in Pahranagrat Valley. It was there that he met his sweetheart and eternal companion—Betty Ercanbrack Young. Of her he wrote: "Only the wise hand of Providence could have led me far from home to a peaceful valley in the desert to meet such a wonderful girl with so many great qualities that would become my beloved wife and dedicated mother." They were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on March 28, 1947. Six children were born to this union, which now includes 29 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and more on the way. In August of 1951, with two children and a third on the way, Dad and Mom moved from Tucson to Caliente, Nevada, where they made their permanent residence.

Dad had a strong work ethic and was always occupied in one project or another. Shortly after moving to Caliente, Dad and Mom bought 28 acres from Emory Conaway, which they and the family farmed for many years. Dad worked on the railroad (B&B gang), where he began to refine his carpentry skills. In 1962 they bought the Shady Motel, which they made into a viable business that has sustained the family for generations. Dad was always building something—three different homes on the farm, numerous additions and re-models to the motel, an RV park, and a multitude of other projects in and around Caliente. There was almost nothing he was afraid to try, and if there was any possible way to accomplish something that needed doing, he would figure it out. Dad was always a man of his word: if he told you he would do something, you could go to the bank with it. He was willing to help just about anybody with anything. If there was a service project that needed doing, he was usually the first one there and the last one to leave. He loved the "Master" and tried to live His commandments, especially in how he treated his fellow man. His is an example and legacy that will bless his posterity for ever.

Funeral services will be held at the LDS Church in Caliente, Nevada on April 14 at 10 a.m.. A viewing will be held Friday evening, April 13, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Caliente Ward Relief Society room; also a viewing Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m. in the same locale. Interment in the Caliente Cemetery will follow the funeral on Saturday. All are invited to come celebrate his life.