MESA, ARIZONA – It is with great regret we announce the passing of Rebecca Ann (Nab) Young of Mesa, Arizona on October 9, 2025. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones from breast cancer.
Rebecca was born to Harold and Helen (Bauer) Nab in Scottsbluff on August 29, 1950. She was the youngest of three after her brothers Ronald and Timothy. The family lived on the “state line” and eventually moved to Torrington where Rebecca graduated from Torrington High School at 17. She spoke often of her big brother Ron running all the way across town from his school to make sure she got off the bus and felt safe her first day of first grade.
Growing up, Rebecca was active in 4H and won a trip to Chicago for her sewing and modeling. In fact, she met her first husband Ronald Lee Innes through a 4H Junior leadership activity when she was 14. She attended the University of Wyoming with an interest in journalism before marrying Ron in January 1971 at 19 and moving to Innes Ranch in Gillette to become a homemaker. She looked back on those years with great fondness as she was able to explore her passion for growing beautiful flowers and enjoyed helping her mother-in-law Wanda plant a huge garden every year. To this day, her California poppies make an appearance every year popping up through the snow. Often, she would laugh at some of the planting experiments she and Wanda would try to grow and can.
Rebecca and Ronald had two children: Nikki Ann and Ryan James before divorcing. Later, Rebecca married David Grant Young in 1981, and they eventually moved to Phoenix Arizona where she become the Director of Room Service at Marriott Camelback Mountain Resort for over 30 years. Rebecca was proud of the job she did and regaled the family with stories of problems solved under pressure and celebrities she met over the years.
Rebecca was very proud of her Volga German heritage and in 2011 wrote the book There is Always Room for One More which is a combination of her Volga German family stories and recipes. She was active in researching her family genealogy and belonged to the local Volga German Society. Her greatest thrill was attending a meeting and being asked are you THE Rebecca Nab Young that wrote the book? Can you please sign a copy for me?
In 2012, Rebecca quit her job and moved back to Torrington to care for her mother Helen. She was a full-time caretaker for Helen and eventually David until 2022.
In 2023, Rebecca moved back to Arizona to be close to her family. She jumped into retirement with both feet! She was the Resident Organization Secretary in her community, belonged to the book club, the author’s club, and hosted a Friday morning coffee group. She found the most peace in her beloved red kitchen baking treats for everyone. She loved planning Christmas decorations and treats with her daughter. But above all, she loved getting to spend precious moments with her grandson Owen watching him play baseball and jazz band. She was his biggest cheerleader!
Rebecca is survived by her daughter Nikki (Cal) Alford; son Ryan Innes; grandchildren Abigail (Jake) Hartzler, Gabriella Alford, Owen Alford; great granddaughter Ellie Hartzler; brother Timothy (Beverly) Nab and numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation has already taken place, and services will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local hospice or golden retriever rescue society.
