Valerie (Saari) Young, 72

Valerie Young of Post Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully at Hospice of North Idaho on Feb. 7, 2026. Born on Feb. 5, 1954, Valerie was the youngest daughter of Ken and Joyce Saari of Kellogg. Fittingly named for and born in the month celebrating love, Valerie quietly slipped away just two days after her 72nd birthday. She was, quite simply, easy to love.

Valerie grew up on Riverside Avenue in Kellogg and attended Sunnyside Elementary, Kellogg Junior High and Kellogg Senior High School. Known as a kind and faithful friend, she made connections easily and sustained many lifelong friendships. Winters were spent skiing at Lookout Pass, while summers brought cherished trips to Priest Lake and time with beloved cousins.

Following high school, Valerie completed a dental assistant program at Kinman Business School in Spokane. Her warm personality and love of conversation shone in her work as a front desk clerk/receptionist at Templin’s Resort in Post Falls and at Marina Cay Resort in Bigfork, Mont., where she made welcoming others a true art.

In the year 2000, Valerie married Mark Young. They made their home in Montana before returning to North Idaho seven years ago. Among Valerie’s favorite traditions were annual trips to the Oregon coast with her husband, marked by long walks on the beach, unhurried mornings and many memorable meals in a place she loved.

Valerie was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Mark Young of Post Falls; daughters Cambrie (Cody) Hess of Las Vegas, and Shelby (Chad) Catron of Moyie Springs, Idaho; eight grandchildren; sisters Joanie (Ed) Hedge and Cheryl (Bill) Papesh; and extended family.

A celebration of life will be held March 21, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Blackwell Hotel, 820 E. Sherman Ave. in Coeur d’Alene. 

To share memories or condolences, visit www.yatesfuneralhomes.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Idaho in Coeur d’Alene.

Afterglow, I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one, I’d like to leave an afterglow when life is done, I’d like to leave an echo whispering down the ways, Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.