Betty Clair Wright Young

Indianapolis - Betty Clair Wright Young, 95, passed peacefully May 28, 2021. Born September 9, 1925 to Fredrick Simeon Wright and Hazel Clair Musselman Wright, Betty was a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, attended Broad Ripple High School and Indiana University. She married Harold Emerson Young, Jr. in 1952 and raised two children, Fredrick and Sarah. The embodiment of a Proverbs wife, Mom was indeed a wife of strong and noble character and her Husband’s crown. Together she and my Dad built their lives, business and home with determination, honor and distinction. A member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, she had an unwavering faith in God. She held dear the friendships, fellowship and the many volunteer opportunities the Women’s Circle groups provided. Her “walk” was always one with patience, simplicity and kindness. Mom lived her life with grace and gusto. She was the first Drum Majorette at Broad Ripple High School, crafting their cheerleading squad after engaging two girlfriends to participate and train at Butler University. She loved to dance, ice skate and travel the world. Pictures of her dressed as Carmen Miranda and Sonja Heine always conjure smiles. She and my Dad could cut a rug! Whether astride a camel in Morocco, in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon, strolling the Great Wall in China, on a Brahma bull in Texas, a ski lift at Zermatt, a Harley Davidson in Milwaukee, watching a sunset off the coast of Costa Rica or sipping wine on a canal boat in France, she embodied a zest for life and verve which she shared with my Dad. Mom entertained a variety of interests. She was a discerning Parcheesi, Gin Rummy and Bridge player. She championed the study and preservation of old trees and protection of birds. She was a keen advocate for voter registration initiatives and volunteering at polls. She followed the Men’s PGA tournament with remarkable knowledge of players and stats, however, she was not a golfer. She was an avid supporter of Public Television and reading, Indiana history being a favorite genre. Among her many affiliations, she was active in Red Hats, Oasis, the Red Cross, Historic Landmarks, the Indianapolis Historical Society, the American Horticultural Society, the Horticultural and Asian Arts Societies of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and the Eastern Star of the Broad Ripple Masonic Lodge where she met my Dad at a chicken and noodle dinner. A consummate Mother, Grandmother and homemaker, Mom was one of the founding members of a Home Economics Club in Indianapolis. She was an outstanding cook and seamstress. Her home, always beautiful and inviting. Her love and devotion to her Granddaughter Rosie, a gift beyond words. Mom was a prodigious volunteer and advocate for children’s literacy and learning. She was a volunteer at the Noble Center, a Girl Scout Troop and Cub Scout Den leader. She volunteered as a reading tutor and mentor at Allisonville Grade School, making possible the expansion of their computer technology program as well as summer reading and education programs at our libraries. Mom was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 64 years “Bill”, her son Fred and brother, “Fritz” Wright. She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Young Powers (William), her granddaughter, Rosemary (Rosie) Clair Powers (Kirk Nelson) , many nieces and nephews, cherished family friends and acquaintances. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation or Barnswallow, A Wild Bird Concern in Wauconda, Illinois.

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Betty Clair Wright Young

September 9, 1925 - May 28, 2021