Natalie Ann Young's Obituary
Lakeview-Natalie Ann (Walldorff) Young, age 82, of Grand Rapids, formerly of Coral, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2020 at Spectrum Health Kelsey Rehab and Nursing in Lakeview. She was born in Six Lakes on June 23, 1938 the daughter of Clare and Mabel (Large) Walldorff. Natalie was raised in the Six Lakes area where she attended Edmore Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1956. She went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in education from Central Michigan University in 1960. On June 19, 1960 she married Jerry Lee Young at the United Brethren Church in Six Lakes. Natalie was employed as a music teacher at Alma, Greenville and Lakeview Community Schools for 30 years prior to her retirement in 1991.
Natalie was a doer and took an active role in every aspect of her life. She worked diligently to bring her love of music to her students as well as the community. She could find musical talent in anyone and inspired many to choose it as a career. At school, she created special singing ensembles where students had the opportunity to perform for various groups around the community. She also created special holiday and seasonal concerts, that thousands of students participated in over her music tenure. She created the Lakeview Community Choir that performed an annual cantata for over 10 years. She also directed the Image Singers and was always ready to put a musical group together for the Library's annual Musicale. Natalie was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church and the Lakeview United Church of Christ serving as the music director, which included directing the Church choir as well as playing piano and organ. She was a member of Women's Fellowship and could always be found taking an active role in church fundraisers, dinners and activities. She continued this community work at her winter home in the Harbor Lights Community in Venice, Florida. Natalie served as the Co-op board president and was a member of the rec board; chairing the annual flea market and ladies' luncheons. She was active with several music groups in Florida as well and was able to take a European concert tour with one of the groups. Natalie was a proud member of the Lakeview Education Association, Michigan Education Association and the National Education Association, serving as an officer at the local as well as the regional level. But most importantly Natalie was a warm and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved to bake and garden with her kids, grandkids and any kid that entered her kitchen. She was known for making cinnamon rolls and cookies and had a special formula for deciding who got to "lick the spoon." She was a warm and welcoming hostess and always had room at her table for one of her home cooked meals. She made an effort to invite area newcomers to her home to help them settle into the community. Natalie loved to have company. She and Jerry were always willing to host a pool party, picnic, card club, or pig roast. There were lots of winter adventures too that included snowmobiles, skiing and snow days. Many great memories with many, many friends.
Natalie is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Jerry Young of Grand Rapids; children, Eric (Julia) Young of Middleville, Tony L. Young of Coral, Ellen (Lee II) Markel of Rockford; grandchildren, Ryan, Alex, Noah, Morgan, Emily, Ethan, Mason; great-grandchild, Codey; brother, Dean (Myrna) Walldorff of Six Lakes; sister, Eleen (Larry) Carr of Mesa, AZ; sister-in-law, Carolyn Near; brother-in-law Larry (Edie) Young and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clare and Mabel; and her brothers, Wayne and Neil Walldorff.
Services will be held at a later date.
Those wishing to donate in Natalie's memory are asked to consider an educational scholarship through Lakeview Area Community Foundation, Lakeview, MI or the Clark Retirement music therapy program through Clark Foundation, Grand Rapids, MI
Condolences to the family may be made by utilizing the guestbook at www.brighamfuneralchapel.com
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