Mary Lou was born in Salt Lake City, Utah as the third child of Gaylen Snow Young and Mary Louise Ross Young with older sister Betsy Young Newton (Joseph), older brother Gaylen Snow Young Jr., and younger brother Edwin Ross Young (deceased). Mary Lou graduated from East High School and the University of Utah.
Mary Lou Young married Graham W. Doxey (Bud) on June 22, 1950, and together began a remarkable family experience. They are the parents of 12 children (1 deceased-Amie), 84 grandchildren (3 deceased), and 149 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren; a total of 250 offspring. Mary Lou's surviving children are Diane Jones (Max), Carol Richards (Stephen), Marilee Page (Richard), Graham, Robert (Denise), Lisa Patch (Timothy), Scott (Annelle), Margaret Ann Boud (Thomas), Rebecca Louise Schettler (Richard), Sarah Elizabeth Sheffield (Joseph), and Mary Kim Oswald (Kevan).
From Mary Lou's youth she desired to have 12 children which she accomplished over a 24 year period. During that time Mary Lou was also active in sports, performing in musical groups, Daughters of Utah Pioneers, the Brigham Young family organizations, and serving in her church. Mary Lou enjoyed serving in many church service roles including Young Women's, Primary, Cub Scouts, Relief Society Presidencies, and Relief Society President at the age of 75. Her greatest joy in service was serving together with Bud. She served as his companion when he served as President of the Missouri Independence Mission. She was by his side in his work for the church in Missouri for 36 years. She served with Bud in England for 3 years when he was a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy. Her 3 years serving in Manti, Utah as the Matron of the Manti Temple were choice years that she cherished together with Bud.
Her family was the focus of her life. Her descendants describe Grandma Lou's legacy that will live in their hearts forever...
"When I think of Grandma Lou - It's hard for me to describe her without thinking of Grandpa - They were very much one - She was the perfect example of what it means to cleave to your spouse and become one - She and Grandpa were both steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good work - Visionary, they could see and understand the importance of things that others didn't or couldn't yet - They had an eternal perspective with an eye single to the glory of God - Love of children, love of husband, love of the Lord - love of flowers - bright smile - she brings joy to my life - laughter - choose happy - cheerful - genuine - elegant - focus - obedient - optimistic - positive - selfless - sincere - sparkly - high energy - faithful - adoring wife - anxiously engaged - confidence - connected - enthusiasm - eternal - family - feminine - grateful - hard worker - jubilant - matriarch - noble-strength - serving - tireless - twinkle in her eye - uplifting - valiant - warmth - welcoming - whistle. Shine On Mom!!! You are our hero and inspiration of dignity, grace, and love. You are our sunshine and have been a light to us and all those who know you. Your love is engraved in our hearts."
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 20, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Foothill Stake Center, 1933 South 2100 East. A viewing will be held on Sunday evening from 6-8 pm as well as from 9:30-10:30 am, prior to the services at the church, all viewings are also at the Foothill Stake Center. Interment to follow the services in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LDS Church Missionary Fund or Temple Patron Fund in memory of Mary Lou Doxey using the church donation slips.
