Donna Sue Young

Donna Sue Young January 22, 1943 – August 20, 2026 Donna Sue Young, 83, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, in New Braunfels, Texas. Donna was born Donna Sue Dirks on January 22, 1943, in Pawnee County, Kansas, to Oscar Dirks and Helen Robertson. She grew up in Great Bend, Kansas, alongside her sisters, Dee and Judy, and graduated from Great Bend High School. Throughout her life, Donna called both Kansas and Texas home. She served as city clerk in Otis, Kansas, worked as a bookkeeper, helped on the family farm—where she could often be found driving the wheat truck—and owned The Cougar Corner, an ice cream and hamburger shop in Otis. After moving to Texas, she managed the gift shop at Corpus Christi Medical Center. Most importantly, she devoted much of her life to creating a loving home for her family. Donna was first married to Robert “Pete” Diel, with whom she raised their sons, Matthew and Michael. Following Pete's death in 1992, Donna moved to Corpus Christi, where her brother-in-law, Larry, introduced her to James “Jim” Young. Donna and Jim married on July 27, 1996, beginning a loving and devoted marriage that lasted until Jim's death in 2019. Donna and Jim shared a wonderful life together, traveling the world, frequently visiting Branson, Missouri, and filling their home with family and friends. During their years in Kerrville, Donna became known for hosting and cooking Thanksgiving dinner at their community center. She and Jim were always willing to help someone in need, and their home was a welcoming place where there was always room for another person at the table. Donna was an exceptional cook and baker, especially famous for her Bierocks and pies. She had a particular fondness for ice cream and french fries, especially dipping her fries into her ice cream. She enjoyed puzzles, cards, reading, and music. When her sons were growing up, long before song lyrics were just a click away, Donna would listen closely to their favorite songs—including ZZ Top—and write out the lyrics by hand for Matt. She also loved walking along the beach and searching for seashells. Raised in the Lutheran faith, Donna later attended the Methodist church with Jim for more than 20 years and was active in Bible studies and women's groups. Those who knew Donna will remember her sparkling blue eyes, beautiful smile, kindness, and sarcastic sense of humor. She was always well put together, and her home was always beautiful and welcoming. Nothing brought her greater pride than her children and grandchildren, and she had a special way of making the people around her feel loved. Whenever her grandchildren told Donna, “I love you,” her answer became a cherished family refrain: “Love you morey.” Donna is survived by her sons, Matthew (Juanita) Diel and Michael (Carrie) Diel; stepdaughter, Kimberly (Michael) Dennis; stepson, James N. Young, Jr.; grandchildren, Alexandra Dorn, Caden Diel, Natalie (Shane) Boucher, Catherine Diel, Joanna Sanchez, Angela (the late Brian) Day, Nick (Katie) Dennis, and Brock Dennis; several great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and her sisters, Dee (the late Larry) Cromer and Judy (the late Richard) Gates. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar Dirks and Helen Robertson; her first husband, Robert “Pete” Diel; and her beloved husband, James Newel Young, Sr. Donna will be remembered for her kindness, faith, love of family, wonderful sense of humor, and generous hospitality. Her family will carry with them the many meals, gatherings, traditions, and memories she created—and, always, her familiar words: “Love you morey.” A memorial service and inurnment will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Mission Park Dominion Chapel, 20900 IH-10 West, San Antonio, Texas 78257. A reception onsite will follow the service.

Donna Sue Young

January 22, 1943 - August 20, 2026