Cleora Belle (Jelliff) Young

WELLSBURG, NY - Cleora Belle (Jelliff) Young, 89, of Gillett, PA passed into the arms of her Savior on Friday, May 7, 2010 at Sayre House. She was the daughter of the late Elton and Reva (Ward) Jelliff. She was born on December 31, 1920 and married her beloved husband Elmer R. Young on August 21, 1940. He predeceased her on December 10, 2001 after 61 years of marriage. Their happy home in Bentley Creek, PA was blessed by four daughters who survive: Elaine (Tom) Johnston of Gillett, PA, Janice (Gary) Cavanaugh of Gillett, Marilyn (David) Mullican of Laceyville, PA, and Linda (Nathan) Morgan of East Smithfield, PA. There are eight grandchildren: Julie Johnston of Charlotte, NC, Brian Cavanaugh of Gillett, PA, Bruce (Karin) Cavanaugh of Gillett, PA, Michael (Deidri) Mullican of Camptown, PA, Jerry Mullican of Laceyville, PA, Lynn (Donnie) Evans of Laceyville, PA, David (Jeannie) Morgan of Old Bridge, NJ, and SSGT Pamela Morgan, USAF, Clovis, NM. Five great grandchildren: Elizabeth, Timothy and Madeline Mullican, and Christopher and Colin Cavanaugh. Cleora is also survived by her beloved sister Anne (Lee) Harkness of East Smithfield, PA, step-brother Corvin Burnham of North Carolina, brothers-in-law Harold Young of Camp Hill, PA, and Ernest Wilson of Maiden, NC, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Cleora is predeceased by an infant brother in 1918 and her beloved sister Carol Montanye and husband Deyo, of Houghton, NY and her step-parents Howard and Mildred Burnham of Bentley Creek, and brother -in-law Ansel Young of Elmira, NY in 2009, and sister-in-law Laura Wilson of Maiden, NC. Cleora was a 70 year member of the Bentley Creek Wesleyan Church and served the Lord in many ways: Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and Release Time teacher, Remembrance Committee and Manor visitation team, and played piano. Her greatest interest was in studying God's Word. She had read her Bible entirely through 50 years in a row. She was a graduate of Wellsburg High School, class of 1939 and was briefly employed as a telephone switchboard operator in Bentley Creek in the 1950's. But her greatest joy and calling was as a wife, mother, and homemaker for husband and four daughters. She will be remembered fondly for her homemade sugar cookies which she loved to give to family and friends or anyone needing a smile. She was an accomplished deer and bear hunter for many years and loved spending time in the outdoors with family and friends. Her sunny smile and helpful ways will be missed by many people. We entrust her into God's care. She greatly appreciated all the health care workers and friends who "kept her going" in her years of declining health. Family and friends are welcome to call from 6:00-8:00 PM on Monday, May 10, 2010 at the Roberts Funeral Home, Inc. 279 Main St. Wellsburg, NY. A viewing will also be held on Tuesday, May 11th from 10:00-11:00 AM at the Bentley Creek Wesleyan Church, 13255 Berwick Turnpike, Bentley Creek, PA. The funeral service to honor Cleora's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at the church with pastors Reverend Robert Wuethrich and Reverend Edward Crandall officiating. Burial will follow the service in Bentley Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Cleora's memory to the Bentley Creek Wesleyan Church, 13255 Berwick Turnpike, Gillett, PA 16925.