You fought long and hard, time to rest Momma Young. Till we see each other again. Miss you. 

Barbara "Barb" Young, age 83, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026, in Navarre, Florida. Born on February 5, 1943, in Rockford, Illinois, to Lloyd and Edith Johnson, Barb lived a life filled with love, kindness, and devotion to her family and community. Barb was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend whose caring nature touched countless lives. She pursued a fulfilling career as a nursing assistant, providing compassionate care to her patients with the same dedication she gave her family. In 1977, Barb met Gary Young, the love of her life. Together they built a life filled with love and laughter. Barb was blessed with two daughters—Renee Johnson and Michelle Davis—and embraced Gary’s children—Brent Young, Burke Young, and Lisa Tate—as her own. Their bond was one of unconditional love and mutual respect.

Barb found immense joy in gardening and cherished her time tending to her flowers. After retiring, she and Gary relocated from Illinois to Florida to build their dream home, where she could nurture her garden year-round. In Navarre, Barb became an active member of her community, volunteering at the Good Neighbor Thrift Store and forming many dear friendships. Her happiest moments were spent surrounded by her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

Barb is survived by her devoted husband of nearly five decades, Gary Young; her children Renee Johnson; Michelle Davis (William); Brent Young (Shauna); Burke Young (Gretchen); and Lisa Tate (Tyler); grandchildren Erica Bornstein; Will Davis; Samantha Fordham; Amanda Trujillo; Jessenia Trujillo; Santana Trujillo; Tristan Young; Gracie Young, Ethan Young,Bryan Young; Katie Young: Jacob Young; several great-grandchildren; nieces Kirsten Jarratt; Julie Serafini; Pam Coleman; Kristy Young; Vanessa Day; Andrea Lockner; Tina Taylor; nephews Brian Lani; Bruce Letsinger; in-laws Vaughn Young (Joyce); and many extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents Lloyd and Edith Johnson; parents-in-law Spencer “Jack” and Alice Young; sisters Betty Westin (Ted) and Donna Wilson (Frank); brother-in-law Andrew Lockner (Pat); sister-in-law Lorraine Caron niece Kim Lockner; and other beloved family members.

Barbara "Barb" Young’s legacy is one of love—for her family, friends, community, and the beauty of life. May she rest in peace surrounded by the gardens of heaven she so dearly loved. A visitation will be held on April 29, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, Illinois with a graveside service to follow at Scandinavian Cemetery in Rockford, Illinois.