Yong Cha Tippets passed away peacefully at home with her husband and three children by her side on September 8, 2024. She was 79 years old.

Born Yong Cha Yi in Chonpuk-do, Korea, on September 10, 1944, her early years were marked by the acute deprivations of war. As the oldest of six children growing up in a single-room shack, she would often be forced to scavenge for leftover coal and potatoes scattered by a nearby train track. In her teen years, Yong moved to Seoul where she found work at a candy factory. With the money she saved, Yong was able to bring her family to Seoul and provide food, shelter, and the occasional candy treat for her younger siblings.

Yong met and married Edward Hall, Colonel, USA (Ret.) in 1966, and from that union gave birth to a daughter, Ahna. As an Army wife, she and her young family eventually moved to the United States. It was during this period that Yong helped her siblings immigrate. After her husband's passing, Yong met and married Steven Tippets, Colonel USAF, (Ret.) in 1983. Together they had two sons, Robert and James.

For over 40 years Yong was a devoted military spouse and took great pride in raising her three children, often with her husband called away on duty for weeks, months, and more than once, years at a time. Yong was the anchor that held the family together and always made her children feel supported and loved. Yong made sure they applied themselves in their schooling, eventually seeing them through college, graduate school, and successful careers in the military, government, and business.

Throughout her life, Yong delighted in cooking for others. Her frequent question, "Are you hungry?" was rooted in the memory of her own food-insecure childhood and her desire to feed and care for those she loved. Yong also loved the outdoors and found joy in camping, hiking, and panning for gold with her family. She could often be found with her walking stick in hand and a visor on her head as she headed out for an adventure.

Yong is survived by her husband, Steven, and her children, Ahna, Robert, and James.

A Private Family Graveside Service Will Be Held

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to:  The USO at https://secure.uso.org