We tip our hats goodbye to a woman for the ages! Marda Dian Young, of Decatur IL, born April
26, 1934, in Hamilton, IL to John Benjamin Hastings and Maxine Janette (Bennett) Hastings,
joined God in heaven on April 17, 2024. She was preceded in death by her brother John Bennett
Hastings.
Marda passed in peace, secure in her faith, and knowing she was deeply cherished. From
daughter to woman and wife to mother, she brought forth into this world three daughters;
Christa D. Young, Adria W. (Young) Akerson (Steve), Marisa A. Young, and two sons; John B.
Young, Stuart P. Young, then was further blessed with four grandchildren; Katie (Steve) Dumire,
Dana (Wyatt) Johnson, Becky (Corey) Schommer, Ben (Kayleigh) Young and five great
grandchildren; Nolan, Aubrynn, Haven, Charley and Tristan.
Art, of all kinds, at every turn, filled Marda’s life and her own artistic talents touched the lives of
many others. As a young adult she had several art showings including Artist of the Month at the
Decatur Public Library, and her paintings could be found hanging in homes across Decatur, IL.
Drawn toward theatre, she supplemented her young family’s income by making dance
costumes for local dance companies when they lived in Michigan. Later, back in Decatur, she
made her stamp at Millikin University instructing in costume and set design. However, it was
Decatur’s Theatre 7 that reaped the full extent of her creative and production abilities. With
Theatre 7, Marda won Herald Awards in 1986 and 1999 but the real rewards were the life-long
friendships she made.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Printy Funeral
Home, 720 Main Street, Hamilton, Illinois with a graveside send off to follow in Oak
Grove Cemetery, 905 E. Co. Rd. 1800, Hamilton, IL 62341. Family will meet friends
from 11:00 AM until time of services at noon at the funeral home. In lieu of cards or
flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice.