Mary Margaret (Engel) Young, age 87, of Valentine, Nebraska, passed away on March 25, 2020, at her home. Mary was born on November 26, 1932, to Joseph George and Mary Elizabeth (Boltz) Engel at her family ranch south of Valentine. As a young child, Mary lived with her paternal grandparents in Todd County, South Dakota, during which time she started first grade at the age of four. She continued her education in Cherry County, where she rode a horse to school. Later, her family house doubled as the school for a time. She graduated from Valentine High School in 1949 at the age of sixteen.

Mary's working life began on the ranch, where, as the oldest child she served as her father's "hired man." She stacked fire wood, hauled water, and hayed with a team of horses. When she moved to town, she was employed (starting at age fifteen, unbeknownst to her boss) as a store clerk, telephone operator, and secretary. She was proud to recall that she only ever had to apply to one job in her life—her first.

She met her husband, Curtis "Cork" Hoover Young, at a local dance. They were united in marriage on September 13, 1954. Shortly thereafter, Mary entered her husband's family western wear business. Through the years, Mary worked faithfully alongside her husband and son in building Young's Western Wear into a community icon. Mary is remembered for her friendly greetings, dedication to customer service, shrewd business sense, and deep respect for loyal patrons from Sandhills ranching families and from members of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

Mary was a devoted mother, raising two sons in the house she and Cork built together and attending all her sons' sports activities. She also enjoyed playing bridge, golfing with her family, tending her flower garden, and eating breakfast at the Bunkhouse and the Sale Barn.

Mary was active in leadership positions in numerous community organizations, including the Sandhills Area Foundation, Valentine Chamber of Commerce, Advisory Board for Pineview Good Samaritan Society, Fort Niobrara History Association, and Cherry County Visitor Promotion Board. She was an active member and past officer in PEO Chapter CA, as well as a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, where she also served in numerous capacities.

Through her hard work and community involvement Mary lived out the Sandhills pioneering spirit, often quoting her motto: "It's a great life if you don't weaken."

Mary is survived by her two sons, Mike (Sheila) Young and Mark Young of Valentine; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren: Katie (Tim) Foster and Lydia, Mary Ingrid, and Josie of Canyon, Texas; Chris Young of Bozeman, Montana; Jaime (Max) Eggert and Ella and Iyla of Valentine; Caitlin Young of Valentine; and Collier Reagle of Valentine; three sisters, Joyce Carr and Jo Reagan of Valentine and Patty (Dave) Schubauer of Blackhawk, SD; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents, and by brothers John, George, and Robert

A limited visitation will be held on March 28 from 5-7pm at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines. A private family graveside service will be held at Mt. Hope cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Mary's name to the Sandhills Area Foundation.