Jerry Younkin-Griffin

Jerry Lee Collins Younkin-Griffin Jerry Lee Collins, 87, from Pocatello, ID, passed away on August 25, 2018 at her home in Pocatello surrounded by her children. She was born July 5, 1931 in Pratt, Kansas to Glenn E. Collins and Floyeda E. Harrison. Jerry attended various schools in and around Pratt, Kansas and graduated from Larned High School. Despite the challenges of many moves, Jerry made many friends at each school and was very active in school and community activities. Jerry married William Dale Younkin September 5, 1947 and after Dales honorable discharge from the U.S. Marines they moved to Hays, Kansas. Dale attended and graduated from Ft. Hays State College. Many are the fun stories of all the newly married and newly discharged veterans attending college there. Together they made life-long friends and had stories to tell the family for a lifetime. After graduation, Dale and Jerry moved to Hoxie, Kansas where Dale was the Sheridan County Soil Conservationist. They welcomed a daughter, Lynn and two sons, Mike and Clint in their 20+ year stay in Hoxie. Jerry lost no time becoming part of the community and could be found guiding Girl Scout troops, leading youth at the Hoxie Christian Church, directing and producing the high school senior plays, and participating in the latest community cause. It was said around town if you wanted something done "call Jerry". That not only included important causes, but she was also famous for creating fun times in that rural Kansas community. The stories of pranks played on friends, pinochle card parties and themed super club dinners are still topics of conversation when the family gathered. In those days, commercial entertainment was scarce but that didnt stop Jerry from creating her own brand of fun and entertainment for young and old alike. In the summer of 1970, Jerry and Dale moved their family to Emporia, Kansas where Dale was the Area Soil Conservationist and Jerry started her painting career in earnest. She also loved attending Clint and Mikes sporting events and cheering them on ...many times taking two Pom poms and leaving with only the sticks. She was active in the Emporia Christian Church and taught Bible Studies through Christian Womens Clubs. Her love of the Lord Jesus Christ was apparent to all the adult Sunday class members in the weekly spiritual challenges. Next to her relationship with the Lord, her family was her highest priority. Her children are most grateful for her devotion and support. 1977 brought another move for the Younkins, this time further north to Pocatello, Idaho where Jerrys art career expanded into shows and teaching. Jerry was a prolific artist and family, friends, and community alike have enjoyed and will enjoy her scripture inspired paintings for ages to come. Jerry loved teaching and sharing her love of art and its techniques avidly. As she got older she was hesitant to stop teaching and twelve days before her passing she was in the studio teaching one last time. Again, the sports arenas were aloud with her cheering on the Poky Priders at son Clints sporting events. She never lost her devotion to her children and their activities. Jerry lost Dale in July 2010. They enjoyed 63 years together and all the adventures long relationships bring. On February 12, 2011, Jerry married Robert Griffin a longtime family friend. They enjoyed 6 years together recalling old times the two couples enjoyed as friends. Bob preceded Jerry in death on April 15, 2017. Jerrys life, especially when she was young, was at times very challenging but her indomitable spirit allowed her to overcome many of lifes obstacles and always see the lesson and the silver lining. That spirit made each day brighter for herself, her family and her friends. As her health was failing, she said many times, "the best is yet to come! Be happy for me" as we are. She will be greatly missed by many. Jerry is preceded in death by her mother and father; sister, Sue; and husbands, Dale and Bob. She is survived by her children, Lynn (Dave) Schneider and grandchildren, Dirk (Jen) Johnson and grandchildren Haven, Kendall, and Landree; granddaughter, Darcy and great-grandson, Bryton; son, Mike (Gay) Younkin, granddaughter, Erin (Phil) Kaberline, great-granddaughters, Rylie and Emmersyn, grandson, Kyle (Kailey) Younkin and great-grandson, Knox; son, Clint (Kate) Younkin, grandson, Christopher, and granddaughter, Chelsea (Wyatt) and great-granddaughter, Emery; nieces, Tracy Saunders and Robin Saunders. The family is so grateful for the many acts of thoughtful kindness shown by her lifetime friends, fellow students and artists, and the First Presbyterian Church family. Remembering mom and her family in these ways has lessened our loss. Funeral services are planned for 10 am Monday, September 3, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church, 202 S. 7 th Ave. Pocatello, ID. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your favorite charity and/or assist someone in need.

Funeral Service

09/03/2018 10:00



LDS Chesterfield Church

1001 E. Stalker Rd.

Chesterfield

Idaho

83217