Bernetta Lee Cushman Younger, 91, passed away Sunday, March 26, 2017, at her home in Maryville, MO. She was born January 4, 1926, in Maryville at the old St. Francis Hospital to H. B. and Althea Myers Cushman.

On August 19, 1951, Bernetta married Lloyd Raymond "Pete" Younger, the love of her life in Maryville.

A 1944 graduate of Maryville High School, she attended Northwest Missouri State College and then St. Luke's School of Nursing in Kansas City. It was there she earned her degree as a Registered Nurse. She worked at the old St. Francis as a floor nurse and surgical nurse until the new St. Francis opened in 1971, where she was a surgical nurse until 1983. During the close of the old St. Francis Hospital Bernetta was involved in the setup for the auction and then helped with the transition to the new St. Francis. She then worked at Home Medical for nine years.

In 1991, she built two Group Homes for developmentally disabled residents. Younger Group Homes, Inc. provided a friendly home atmosphere and nursing atmosphere. She built the group homes knowing she had the time and help to give good nursing care.

Bernetta was a member of the Maryville First United Methodist Church, Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, Red Cross, Maryville Ambulance Service, Missouri Nurses Association, earning her 50 year Nursing Certificate, Juvenile Rehab Center and was a member of the Maryville R-II Board of Education from 1970-1979, serving as President of the Board from 1977-1980.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Col. Lloyd Raymond "Pete" Younger (September 18, 1982), sister Garnet McFarland, brother Herman Cushman and infant sister Roberta Maxine Cushman.

Bernetta is survived by her son Mark Younger and daughter Anita Espey, both of Maryville; grandchildren: Elizabeth and Maria Espey and Adrian Marcus Smith; brother Ralph Cushman, Burlington, IA; brother-in-law Richard (Doc) Younger, Southern Pines, NC; sister-in-law Ida Mae Younger, Grand Junction, CO; and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10-11 AM, Thursday, March 30, 2017, at Price Funeral Home, Maryville, with Funeral Services to follow at 11:00 AM also at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Miriam Cemetery, Maryville.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 102 N. Main Street, Maryville MO 64468 or SSM Hospice, 2332 South Main St, Maryville, MO 64468.

www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com