Thelma Jean Young, 79, of Las Vegas, NM, formerly of Whiting, KS, passed away Monday, May 24, 2021 in Payson, AZ, at her daughter’s home. She was born December 8, 1941 in Horton, KS, the daughter of Henry Richard and Helen Lava (Irey) Brown.

Thelma graduated from Whiting High School. She lived 18 years in Whiting, KS, 4 years in Atchison, KS, 2 years in Raton, NM and 56 years in Las Vegas, NM. Thelma retired from various jobs, as bookkeeper and clerical sales. She owned and operated TJ’s Helping Hands, taking care of elderly clients and house cleaning. Two of her clients were over 100 years old. Thelma was a former member of the First Baptist Church in Whiting.

She married Carroll D. Young on May 16, 1959 in Whiting, KS. They later divorced.

Survivors include a daughter, Janet Young of Payson, AZ; a son, Randy Young of Prescott, AZ; 2 sisters, Beverly Searcy of Peoria, IL and Shirley Martin of Fairfield, OH; 3 grandchildren, Derek A. Young, Kevin A. Young and Sarah N. Young all of Phoenix, AZ.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Charlotte Hollander.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at the Springhill Cemetery at Whiting. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time. Cards of condolence for the family can be mailed to Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.