Dianne Lee Young, 85, of Chehalis, passed away peacefully at her home on June 17, 2025.
Dianne was born on March 10, 1940, in Centralia, Washington, to Dorothy and Coe Johnson. She spent her childhood in Centralia, attending Centralia High School. In her 20s, she worked as a high-end server, where she was known for her grace, quick wit, and a smile that would light up any room. Over the years, she waitressed in remarkable places, including the Space Needle during the 1962 World’s Fair, as well as restaurants in Hawaii, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and locally at the Tyee and the Falls Terrace.
Thanks to her brother Coe, she met local farmer Gordon Young. Their connection was instant, and they began their 43 years of marriage on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 1969. The two settled on the family farm in Adna, where she poured her energy into raising their children, David, DeeDe and Dani, as well as numerous exchange students. She managed the household, kept the men in the field well fed, and handled the farm’s bookkeeping with meticulous care — all while tending to a picture-perfect garden. She and Gordon hosted yearly family reunions at their farm, creating cherished memories that brought generations together. Dianne had a passion for gardening, canning and cooking, and also enjoyed skiing, bowling and golf. Her favorite pastime, however, was spending time with her grandchildren. She cared for them during their younger years and loved cheering them on in their sports and activities.
A natural hostess with a generous spirit, Dianne dedicated countless hours to her community. She volunteered with the Adna Clam and Corn Feed, the AHS concession stand, and numerous other local organizations. She was a member and past president of the Centralia-Chehalis Emblem Club, and an integral part of Women of the Moose, where she held several positions, but took the most pride in cooking her beloved Steak Night dinners.
What began as her brother stopping by for morning coffee before work grew into a cherished tradition. For more than 20 years, Dianne, her mother, her brother Coe and Gordon shared countless mornings together at the kitchen table — a quiet ritual that continued until each had passed, with Coe being the last in 2019. Anyone who entered her home was always met with her warmth and hospitality.
She is survived by her sister, Betsey (Leo) Volk; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Coe) Johnson and Darlene (Jerry) Ford; her children, DeeDe Young and Danielle Scott; her grandchildren, Cole, David, Cody, Julia, Callie, Maricella, Trevor and Samantha; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Coe Johnson; sister, Judy Jackson; brother, Coe Johnson; husband, Gordon Young; and son, David Young.
A celebration of Dianne’s life will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Chehalis Moose Lodge.
