Mary Louise Young, 82, of Cape Girardeau passed away Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center.

She was born Sept. 5, 1921, at Dexter, Mo., daughter of James R. and Julia Wood Howell. She and Thomas H. Young were married Nov. 13, 1943, in Cape Girardeau.

Survivors include her husband; a brother, Col. James R. Howell of Willow Street, Pa.; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters.

She graduated from Central High School and later attended Cape Business College. She worked at Woolworth's in Cape Girardeau and later was manager of a women's clothing store in Alton, Ill., for several years.

She participated in several community organizations, including the Alton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and Easter Seals Society. She was also active in the Alton College Avenue and Dexter Presbyterian churches many years, serving on the Board of Deacons, Evangelism Council, as well as other committee activities.

Friends may call at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday.

Graveside service will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Friday at Dexter Cemetery, with the Rev. Nancy Gillard officiating.

Memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church at Dexter, Chateau Girardeau Foundation, or American Heart Association.