Rev. Richard A. Youells (Dick), age 88, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 1, 2021. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Carol Ann; children: Andrew Youells, Deborah (John) VanderHenst, Rachel Henry, Michael Youells; 8 grandchildren: Nicholas Youells, Laura Youells, Elizabeth (Sean) Nagle, Felicia Youells, Miguel Youells, Maxwell Henry, Anna Henry, Christian Youells; 2 great-grandchildren: Caleb, Sebastian; brother, James Youells; sisters, Genevieve (Jerry) Flanary, Vivian (Gar) Lemon, Alice (Steve) Bontekoe, Dorothy (Bruce) Allen; brothers-in-law: Howard Gilmore, Richard (Kathy) Straub; many nieces and nephews; Doris and George Kieh who have welcomed our family into their own. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and LaGene Youells; sisters, Norma Rapps and Eloise Gilmore.
Dick was born on a farm near Swartz Creek, MI. He graduated from Western Michigan University and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He married the love of his life in 1959 and served the following appointments: Bridgman; Wesley Foundation Director at Central Michigan University; Wesley Foundation Director in Flint, MI; Potterville, Diamondale, and West Benton; South Haven First; Olivet in Grand Rapids; Muskegon Heights Temple; and retired from Grand Haven Church of the Dunes in 1995. Throughout his ministry he was involved in mentoring and was an advocate for justice. He served on many boards within the United Methodist Church as well as several community organizations. Many referred to Dick as a kind and gentle spirit that touched many lives. He deeply loved his family and enjoyed volunteering at church, Clark Retirement Community and spending time with Carol Ann, his children, and grandchildren.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 17, 2021, at First United Methodist Church, 227 Fulton St. E. Grand Rapids, where his remains will be laid to rest. Relatives and friends may meet the family for visitation on that Saturday from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Masks will be required. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Emanuel Hospice and Clark Retirement community for all their loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Methodist Children’s Home Society https://methodistchildrenshomesociety.salsalabs.org/everydaygiving/index.html, Clark Retirement Community-Benevolent Endowment Fund https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E3788&id=12, or First United Methodist Church of Grand Rapids-Legacy Fund https://www.grandrapidsfumc.org/give.
Visitation
Saturday, July 17
10:00am - 11:00am
First United Methodist Church
227 East Fulton Street
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Celebration of Life
Saturday, July 17
11:00am
First United Methodist Church
227 East Fulton Street
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
A tree is known by its fruit. Mr. Youells was a strong man who raised his children with love and respect. He loved his wife more than himself. I can remember sitting in his sermons waiting for it to end to go out and run with Andy his son. I recall having many discussions with he and Mrs Youells and through them all, they were always centered around Love and Respect, doing what was right no matter how hard or what the consequences would be. He molded others to learn to walk the high road in life. I can not remember a moment where he would cut a corner or shirk a responsibility. He was and is truly cut from a righteous cloth. A man of God who followed his calling and spread the Gospel. He will be missed , but we know that we will see him again.
Mrs. Youells and Family, please know that my heartfelt prayers are with and for yours as you work through your loss. May the Lord give you the strength and courage to face the days ahead.
- Raymond Lambert
There are so many wonderful conversations that Dick and I had around social justice issues. He was and will continue to be a profound inspiration to me. I remember his care not just for the marginalized but for those people are privilege realizing that their spiritual welfare can be greatly inhibited hi there greed and selfishness. Dick was one that spoke the truth in love and did not hesitate to speak truth in action by the way he lived. I will miss being able to get together with him. Carol Ann, you will continue to be in my prayers during this time of letting go.
- Mark Thompson
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