Mary Wanda Taylor, 96, of Noble, MO passed away April 28, 2024 at her residence surrounded by family. She was born January 18, 1928 in Verdon, OK to Thomas Henry and Mary Wanda (Adams) Aker.
On April 12, 1946 Mary was united in marriage to Marshall Taylor in Yuma, AZ. They were married 71 years when Marshall passed away in 2017. She homesteaded in New Mexico before moving to Ozark County in 1973. The couple had six children. In her life, Mary had been a girl scout, a rancher, a wife and mother. She was a member of the Cowbells which is the women’s group in the cattleman’s association. She sponsored 4H and FFA in national conventions. She also taught kids how to judge livestock in AG shows. She was a cattle baroness breeding registered Charolais cattle, and showed her stock at state fairs. She was a member of the church of Christ all her life and was a Sunday school teacher for years.
She is survived by six children and their spouses: Ruth York & Randall of Squires, MO, Elizabeth Harris & Larry South Fork, MO, Robert Taylor & Debbie of Birch Tree, MO, Tom Taylor & Denise of Gainesville, MO, Ben Taylor of Gainesville, MO, Pat Taylor & Heide of Wasola, MO; 22 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; 1 sister; 4 brothers; 2 nephews; her parents-in-law; 1 brother-in-law; 1 granddaughter; and 2 great granddaughters.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024 in the Peters Cemetery near Noble, MO. Officiating will be Brian York. Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home, 3132 N. Fair Haven Loop, Strafford, MO 65757. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.
