Betty Young

Betty Joan Young, 92, passed away Monday, June 2, 2025, at SharonBrooke Assisted Living. She was born on June 30, 1932, in Zanesville to the late Raymond and Francis Davey Blackstone Sr. She was the first granddaughter on both sides of the families and moved to Mt. Sterling when she was five years old. She attended United Methodist Church Sunday School, Youth Fellowship and 4-H camps. She was a clerk in her parent’s grocery/gas station. Betty walked to a one room elementary school for six years, often in boots, snowsuit and snowshoes. She attended Hopewell High School through grades seventh to 12th, being a straight A student with special talents in art, class offices, plays and leadership. She was a cheerleader for three years, played girls basketball and worked part time as a waitress at Moyers Motel and Restaurant and Farhills.

After graduation, she got a job at the Detroit Harvester plant in Zanesville. Betty moved to Gratiot after her marriage to Herman, who she dated since sophomore year, on September 8, 1950. She was blessed with two children, Trudy and David. She attended Gratiot Church, a leader in Ladies Circle and Bible Studies. She also was in a ladies card club and several camping clubs. She moved to Newark for Herman’s railroad work. After they moved to Pataskala, she worked for ODNR for several years. Betty and Herman were also members of the National Campers and Hiking Association, where they helped start camping clubs in the state of Ohio. Then they moved back to Gratiot, where she worked as a secretary to the principal at Ruby Elementary in Zanesville until she retired.

After retirement, they continued to travel, first on their motorcycle, then in the 1931 Model A Ford. They also traveled in their Airstream to Airstream rallies. During their travels, they became part of a Christian group called S.O.W.E.R., Servant on Wheels Ever Ready, where Betty helped with sewing tasks, while Herman did the manual labor for Christian camps.

Betty and Herman went on a cruise with her sister, Patty and her husband Fred. For several years, going to the Airstream rally in Sugar Creek was a highlight. They took care of all the signs made for the rally using their art and woodcraft talents. After the rally, they would head south to Travelers Rest in Florida for the winter, which they did for 27 years. Their faith was always present with the worlds “Trust Me” on the back of their airstream.

She is survived by her son David A. (Betty) Young of Newark; her daughter, Trudy O. Lataster; a sister Patty Frye; two brothers: Raymond (Connie) Blackstone Jr. and Terry Blackstone; four grandchildren: Crystal Beers, Ava Stratford, Noah (Erica) Young and Racie (Greg) Careins; and seven great grandchildren: Karma, Cody, Arrowlynne, Aaron, Jaiden, Nolan and Corbin.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Herman Young; her grandson Anthony Lataster; and great granddaughter Rheanna.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Ohio Hospice, 2269 Cherry Valley Road SE, Newark, Ohio 43055.
Visitation will be held from 12 to 1PM, Monday, June 16, 2025, at Gratiot United Methodist Church, 345 South Street, Gratiot, Ohio. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1PM with Pastor John Ruiz officiating. Burial will follow in Poplar Forks Cemetery.

THE SNOUFFER FUNERAL HOME, 1150 WEST MILITARY ROAD, ZANESVILLE, has the distinct honor of serving the Young family. Cremation care has been entrusted to Snouffer Crematory.

To send a note of condolence to the family visit www.snoufferfuneralhome.com, like us on facebook, or call our caring staff at 740-450-8000.