Sharon Young, 79, of Pana, died at Hickory Estates Memory Care in Pana on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Per Mrs. Young’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and private inurnment will be held at a later date in Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Coffeen.
Mrs. Young was born December 26, 1946, in Greenville, daughter of the late Eldon “Barney” & Lois Marilyn (Brown) Rench. She met her partner in life, Kent Young, while out dancing. The two were married on January 6, 1967. They danced through life together for 59 years, side by side until the very end.
Mrs. Young spent her youth in Jerseyville, graduating from Jerseyville High School in 1964. She and Kent lived in Meredosia from the time they were married until 1981, when they relocated to Pana with their son, Jeff.
Mrs. Young was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and loyal friend. She could never turn down a trip to the shopping mall. She is remembered as being well dressed and perfectly accessorized for every occasion, usually with her husband sporting a coordinated polo. She was a long-time member of Pana Country Club and could often be found spending a summer afternoon on the golf course or in the club house enjoying dinner with friends.
Mrs. Young had a love for travel, spending many winters visiting Florida. She and her husband especially enjoyed attending the MidAmerican Corvette show in their 1980 Corvette. She was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and fighting Illini basketball. She worked for Schafer Poultry for many years.
Above all, Mrs. Young’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted mother to her son and was very proud to be “Mimi” to her grandchildren, Ali and Jack. She treasured time spent supporting her grandchildren’s many activities, often traveling for baseball or basketball games, rodeos and other special occasions.
Mrs. Young spent her final years in the compassionate and devoted care of Hickory Estates Memory Care alongside her loving husband. Her family extends their deepest gratitude to these caregivers for all they have done, and continue to do, for their Mimi and Papa.
Mrs. Young is survived by her husband; her son, Jeff (Tina) Young, LeClaire, IA; grandchildren, Jack Young and Ali Young; siblings, Kevin (Laura) Rench and Mark (Rhonda) Rench, both of Hillsboro; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Benny Rench & Jim Rench.
Memorials in Sharon’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Pana Community Hospital Foundation and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home (mdfh.com) who is assisting the family.
