Jill Neighbors Young passed away from cancer on June 2, 2023 at her home in Denver, Colo. with her husband and her daughters at her side. She was born July 27, 1964 in Anita to Gary and Judy Neighbors, joining a brother Clark. She lived on the family farm south of Anita.
She attended the Anita Elementary School where she loved helping her mother get her classroom ready each day.
In high school, she was an outstanding athlete in all sports. In track, she held school records and participated all four years at the state track meet. She was in speech and the National Honor Society. She was homecoming queen.
After high school, she attended the University of Iowa receiving a B.S. degree in dental hygiene. She enjoyed attending Hawkeye sports events. After graduation, she moved to Austin, Texas to join Michael. They lived there for nine years before moving to Denver, Colo. She worked as a dental hygienist for 30 years. During her illness, she received many cards and gifts from patients and co-workers plus support from family and friends.
She enjoyed traveling, hiking, cooking, biking, watching movies and time spent with family and friends. Several years were spent as a soccer mom for her girls. Her daughters were her pride and joy.
On May 19, she and Michael exchanged wedding vows at a friend’s home near Breckenridge, Colo. with family and a few friends in attendance.
Survivors are the love of her life, husband Michael Young and their daughters Alexandria (Max Minne) and Arianna Young; her parents Gary and Judy Neighbors; brother Clark Neighbors (Kathy) and their sons Connor and Kyle; brother-in-law Frank Young (Jody) and their sons: Drew, Aaron and Elliot; Michelle Young and son Timothy; Dennis Young and aunt, uncles, cousins and many friends.
She was preceded in death by father and mother-in-laws Darwin and Marilyn Young and grandparents Frank and Ioma Neighbors and Roy and Dorothy Parker.
Jill had many gifts – one of which was the ability to unite and bring people together. This was most apparent during her illness over the past few months. We were blessed to be part of Jill’s journey (race). I (Jill) have fought the good fight. I have finished the race.
The service is June 24 at 10:30 a.m. at the Methodist Church in Anita. Jill requested that people wear colorful clothing to her service and not black.
Memorials may be directed to: Jill Neighbors Young Scholarship Fund, Rolling Hills Bank, 701 Main Street, Box 397, Anita, Iowa 50020.
After the service, a luncheon will be held at the Anita Community Center.
The family is in charge of arrangements.
