Eleanor Ann Young left this earth in the early morning of September 23, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.  Ann was born August 18, 1937, in Kansas City, MO.  She was adopted shortly after birth by Randolph and Vernia May (Ready) Smith and enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Cape Girardeau.

While in high school, Ann met her soul mate and future husband, Donald Young.  Eventually, Ann and Don would move to Dallas, Texas for Don to attend law school at SMU.  While Don was still in Law School, Ann and Don welcomed their first child, Scott in 1959, then Lisa in 1961 and Sheri in 1963.

Ann was a stay-at-home mom during those years while raising the kids.  Ann was very active in her children's lives and served as a Cub Scout leader and den mother; a member of the White Rock Boat Club and Corinthian Sailing Club on White Rock Lake in Dallas; and as the kids grew older, she worked in the admissions office of SMU.

Ann loved the arts, particularly watercolor painting, music and singing and she even authored and illustrated a children's book called Daffy's Ducks.  She was a member of the Art League in Dallas and was Choir Director of the Payne Springs Methodist Choir.  After she and Don moved to New Braunfels, TX in 1992, Ann became a member of the New Braunfels Music Study Club and actively participated in Advent Vespers up to the time of her passing.

In 1992, Ann and Don joined the First United Methodist Church and Ann was a member of the choir for over 20 years.  Ann was also a member of the New Braunfels Community Choir and was active in many fund-raising projects for the Community Service Center.

Ann's love and energy for the arts was boundless as she served on the Greater New Braunfels Arts Council for 5 years and served as president for two.  In 2001, Ann was the recipient of the Emeritus Award for dedication to the arts community and was later presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her leadership and service.

Ann had very fond memories of her childhood trips to St. Louis, MO to see theatrical plays and musicals with her parents.  She channeled her love for the theater by becoming a founding member of the Brauntex Performing Arts Theater and was on the board for 11 years and served as Vice President from 1998 to 2003.  She also served as the Vice President of the Performance Selection Committee for several years and was even cast in three stage productions at the Brauntex.

Ann loved her mornings sitting with Don on their deck having coffee overlooking the Guadalupe River and again in the evening having a glass of wine as the sun would set.  During the day she could be found painting in her art studio, working on the next choir performance, or taking care of business for the Brauntex.

Ann was preceded in her death by her beloved husband Don.

She is survived by her three children, Scott Young, Lisa Passell and Sheri Downing.  She is also survived by twelve grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Her Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM (with a visitation held from 10:30 AM until 11:00 AM)

on Monday, October 2, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church of New Braunfels.

A Private Family Burial will follow at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Brauntex Performing Arts Center.

Please sign the guestbook at www.doeppenschmidtfuneralhome.com