Effie Sager Young, 99, of Butler, passed peacefully in her sleep on July 13, 2026.
Born on November 11, 1926, Effie grew up on her parents’ dairy farm in Slippery Rock. A brilliant woman who valued order, common sense, and self-sufficiency, she loved mathematics and reading. She earned a degree in chemistry from Grove City College, graduating at the top of her class. Effie dedicated her life to serving others with competence and quiet grace. A devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she could always be found helping family and friends—whether making a meal, painting a living room, tutoring a grandchild or providing a ride.
Before marrying and raising her family, she began her career at Preston Labs, where she conducted research on glass—“smashing a lot of beer bottles,” as she put it. After raising her two children, she returned to the workforce as a private bookkeeper and tax preparer at H&R Block, mostly “just for fun.”
Renowned for her cooking and baking, Effie approached mealtime with precision. Everything was hot and ready at the same time—always with a touch of parsley or paprika “just for color.”
She was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Butler for many years, where she contributed her booming alto voice and perfect pitch to the choir.
Effie was preceded in death by her parents, Nelle and George Sager; and her sister, Mary Ann Sager Burlbaugh; and her beloved husband, Richard “Dick” Glenn Young, who she first met while participating in the Outing Club at Grove City College (where she, naturally, took on the role of cook). Effie’s aptitude for math was just what Dick needed in a math tutor, and the rest was history.
Effie and Dick raised two children, Ann Young Stahura (Andy) and Ted Young (Annette), both of whom she leaves behind. She is also survived by four grandchildren- A.J. Stahura (Chuyon), Nelle Stahura Powers (John), Sara Young Gorevski (Tom), and Ben Young (Susan); eight great-grandchildren- Drew, Rich, Jim, Euni, Theo, Langston, Nora, and Johnny; and her brother- John Sager (Barbara), all of whom she dearly loved.
Friends and family will be received on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Butler Global Church (formerly First United Methodist Church of Butler) at 200 E. North St., Butler, PA 16001. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m., also at the church.
A private burial will be held at Greenlawn Burial Estates.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army of Butler.
Arrangements are entrusted to Thompson Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 E. North Street, Butler PA, 16001.
All who knew Effie are encouraged to share memories and upload photos to her unique remembrance page at www.thompson-miller.com.