Richard A. Youells

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.