Ann Elizabeth O'Quinn Young Ph.D.

Ann O’Quinn Young, Ph.D., 90, of Kearney, passed away February 22, 2025, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Memorial services will be on Saturday, April 5, at 1:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Kearney with Pastor Clint Cozier officiating, and reception for all attendees to follow. A private family burial will take place at Kearney Cemetery. Ann Elizabeth O’Quinn Young, Ph.D., was born April 13, 1934, in Waycross, Georgia. She had a happy childhood growing up in Patterson, Georgia, with two brothers, Billy and Jimmy, and lots of cousins and neighbors to play with. She attended all twelve grades in Patterson, graduating as valedictorian. Ann attended Shorter College in Rome, Georgia, before transferring to the University of Georgia in Athens, where she earned a degree in history with a professional teaching certificate. She then taught at North Fulton High School in Atlanta before returning to UGA, where she earned a Ph.D. in History. In 1965, Ann joined the faculty in the Department of History at Kearney State College (now University of Nebraska – Kearney). She taught courses in Western Civilization and Modern Europe. She served on numerous committees and the Faculty Senate, being elected Secretary, Vice President, and President during the 1990s. On August 18, 1968, Ann married fellow faculty member Robert (Bob) Wm. Young at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jesup, Georgia. They had two daughters, Abbie and Leslie. Ann retired from UNK in August of 2000. After retirement, she continued to stay active in P.E.O. Chapter AS of Kearney, Presbyterian Women, and Delta Kappa Gamma. She served on the Session of First Presbyterian Church and chaired the Worship and Music Committee. She stayed connected with friends and colleagues through bridge and book clubs. Ann also enjoyed time with her family across the United States. Ann is survived by her husband, Bob; daughter, Leslie; sons-in-law, Eric Stacey and Mike Zaladonis; sister-in-law, Dosia O’Quinn; nephews, Kevin (Jan) and Jeff (Niki) O’Quinn and Evan (Bethanie) Roberts; nieces, Donna (Gary) Patterson and Kim (Chet) Robson; and brother-in-law, Joe Roberts. Ann is preceded in death by daughter, Abigail (Young) Zaladonis (deceased May 5, 2024); parents, Foster and Pearl O’Quinn; brothers, William and James O’Quinn; sisters-in-law, Lorraine O’Quinn and Linda Roberts; and niece, Stephanie Roberts.

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Ann Elizabeth O'Quinn Young Ph.D.

April 13, 1934 - February 22, 2025