Earlee Ann Young, 77, passed away peacefully at her home in Coeur d’Alene on Dec. 23, 2023. She was a loyal and kind person with an unforgettable name, which was derived from Early, her father’s name. She was born in Newman, Calif., on Sept. 7, 1946, and loved spending her time as a child running barefoot on the family dairy farm. In 1964, she graduated from St. John’s Ursuline High School in San Francisco. She was a devout Roman Catholic and, to her last day, remained best friends with her classmates, Rose and Bonnie.

Earlee was an excellent pianist and played the organ at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Burlingame. In 1972, she married the love of her life, Ken, and bought the most adorable English Tudor style home in San Mateo, where she helped raise David and Michael.

Earlee was well-known and loved by many in the Burlingame-San Mateo area. On any given Saturday, you could find her walking Missy, the Sheltie, down Burlingame Avenue, where she would stop to talk with friends. Her favorite place to visit was Carmel, Calif., but she also loved New England in the fall or a cruise ship to anywhere.

Earlee spent her career as a contracting officer for the U.S. Navy and earned the Meritorious Service Award. Since 1983 she has sold Avon and received the President’s Award most years. In 1999, she accepted early retirement from the Navy when the base in San Bruno closed. To be closer to family, she built her dream house in Coeur d’Alene with a big picture window facing Canfield Mountain. Her favorite spot was in her Boston Rocker looking at “her” mountain.

Retirement turned into working and eventually managing the romance section of Borders books. She was an expert in romance novels and had quite the collection at home. Earlee was an active member of many clubs in the Coeur d’Alene area, including the Rambling Rovers and Daughters of the American Revolution.

The family sincerely appreciates all the “angels among us” (especially Joan) who have made sure Earlee was OK these past few years. She is preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Virginia Hethcoat, and brother Patrick. She is survived by Patrick’s wife, Rosanne; her sister, Marybeth; her brother, Matthew (Mari); sons Michael (Kristi) and David (Paula); daughter Lisa; grandchildren Taylor, Travis, Ryan, Jacob, Hailee; and nieces Amy, Sarah and Meghan.

A Memorial Mass, followed by a celebration of Earlee’s life, is being planned for April at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Flowers are welcome for the service! Instead of donations, please offer an act of random kindness to a stranger or a friend.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Earlee's online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.