Tudy Marie Youngberg
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As fireworks lit up the skies across the country this 4th of July, the brightest, sweetest light in our lives went blazing into eternity and outshone them all. Tudy Youngberg, 84, died peacefully that night.
Tudy was born on April 2, 1937 in Lawrence, Kansas to Irvin and Eleanor (Ingenthron) Youngberg. Tudy was raised and spent the majority of her life here in this town she loved; brought up by parents who were deeply involved in the University and were equally invested in building and maintaining a thriving, inclusive community, Tudy embraced their values of kindness, compassion, and grace early on and focused on serving others her entire sober life of 36 years. Tudy graduated from Lawrence High School in 1955 and received her BA in Education from the University of Kansas in 1959. She taught at both Pinkney and Sunset schools and also worked at KU Endowment.
She is survived by her daughter Kerry Sutorius and Steve, her son Scott Stuart and Shana, their children Kaela Stuart and Scott Parrigon, Ryson Stuart, Darra Stuart, and Logan Stuart; she is also survived by her bonus daughters Tanya McNeely and Rick, Michelle Babcock and Rob and their children Phaedra, Bianca and Ian, and three great-grandkids. Tudy was married to Phil Stuart in 1960 and to John Haller in 1996.
Tudy was actively involved in Trinity Episcopal Church, the University of Kansas Endowment, her sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma, the Mortar Board alumnae, P.E.O., and her high school reunion group. Through the church she helped develop the Friendship Circle, the TLC group, and the Lay Eucharistic Visitors.
On August 25, 1985, Tudy began her sobriety journey and was active in Alcoholics Anonymous for the rest of her life. Mom’s decision to make a commitment to sobriety and AA was truly a life-changing event that took her on a pathway to service and a deep and evolving spirituality that touched countless other people. A 180-degree life change describes her transformation well. The struggles she had and overcame helped to shape the person we all know and love, and gave her a passion for those who are alone and people who need support and encouragement. Her commitment to the practice and spirituality of AA and to her Christian faith helped her to develop an incredible community of friends who walked with her through her life. She was a mentor and model for many others, and an inspiration for those seeking to find renewal.
We are all blessed that she lived a full and meaningful life to the day she died, spending time with family and friends, doing the artwork she loved, living independently and reaching out to help others. While her death was sudden, her faith and ours gives us assurance that she is walking with God and partying with Jesus, and is surely joyfully asking them to pose for a Father and Son sculpture.
Funeral services will be held this Friday, July 9th, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence. A reception will follow at the church’s fellowship hall and a graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Pioneer Cemetery. All are welcome to join us at any time during the day to mourn and celebrate Mom together.
Memorials can be directed to Van Go Inc., an art program for disadvantaged youth and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Kerry, Steve, Scott, and family,
I know that Tudy brought such joy and comfort to your lives, and that she will be sorely missed. She was so lucky to have the gifts of your lives and your love. I am grateful to have been welcomed into her home both in childhood and adulthood, as she was just truly lovely. I will be thinking of you all, and of her, in the days to come, and wish you peace and light as you honor her life.
I met Tudy about 18 years ago when I was a substitute game player. Through the years we played gin rummy and sequence together too many times to count. We always had many laughs and good conversations. I really enjoyed her dry humor and quiet manner. I loved her artful Christmas cards and have saved every one I was lucky enough to receive. She will be greatly missed by me. I know she is in heaven with our Lord. I send my deepest condolences to her family.
God bless.
Tudy was a dear neighbor and the witness at my wedding. We were saddened to hear of her passing, but happy to have known her.
Tudy was everything I hope to be. Kind, gentle, creative, funny, caring, beautiful. She was a good friend. She made a helluva good fruit salad. The pallet of her life was full and colorful. I cherish the memories of moment with Tudy.
Iris Craver’
Hearts and prayers go out to the family of Tudy. I worked here at Endowment and enjoyed seeing her great smile everyday, She will truly be missed.
So sorry about your mom. May God grant your families His peace and joy in the midst of your grief.
We are deeply saddened to learn of Tudy’s passing. She was a wonderful companion on our “road to Happy Destiny” and an exemplar of promises that are made true when one does the work. We are grateful for her friendship.
What a beautiful tribute. Prayers for peace to all of you.
I got to know Tudy through the Mortar Board Alumnae group and your lovely remembrance makes me wish I’d had an opportunity to get to know her even better. She was a strong, talented woman and I’ll miss her.
Such a beautifully written tribute to your mom. Hugs to all of you
What a beautiful photo and tribute to Tudy. My condolences to Kerry , Steve, Scott and family.
Tudy was my friend the years I Iived in Lawrence. As I first knew her, she was a sensitive group leader who listened and responded intelligently – warm, open, a beautiful smile, a spiritual depth of understanding. Over the years we became friends. I appreciated her art. I will miss her, but her presence will always be with me, and I am thankful.