Mary A. Taylor, 80, passed away Friday, January 10, 2014 at her home in Alliance.
She was born on October 13, 1933 at Belden, Nebraska to Glen A. and Alice (Minegar) Roland. She attended grade school in Belden and various country schools before graduating from Randolph High School. At the age of 16 she received her teaching certificate and taught school prior to her marriage.
On February 2, 1953 she was united in marriage to Harry L. “Jack” Taylor. They lived on their farm and ranch northeast of Alliance. She also worked as a cashier at the Gibson/Pamida store for a few years and then for Hatch’s Pharmacy and Gifts for 22 years.
Mary was a member of the United Methodist Church singing in the choir and cantata for several years. She was also a member of the V.F.W., Eagles and American Legion Auxiliary, RSVP, Red Hat Society, Faith Circle and FFH Alumni of Hemingford and Alliance. She was the recipient of 35 year award as a 4-H volunteer. Mary was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed reading, country music and working with people.
She is survived by her children, Phyllis (Roy) Jesse of Hemingford, Corky (Vicky) Taylor of Alliance and Joni (Darrell) Petersen of Hot Springs, SD, her grandchildren, Andrea McDonald of Gordon, Alicia (Jayson) Keller of Mitchell, Alaina McDonald of Hemingford, Logan McDonald of Sidney, MT and Miles Petersen of Hot Springs, SD , her great-grandchildren, Hayden McDonald, Zane Keller and Chase Keller and her 4 step grandchildren, 12 step great-grandchildren and 1 step great-great grandchild. Her sisters, Donna Downs of Omaha, Glennadine Barker of Wayne, Janice (Lee) Wortman of Alliance and Judy (Lester) Meier of Belden as well as numerous nieces and nephews also survive her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, an infant son, her brothers, Robert , Wayne and Kenneth Roland and her sisters, Mildred Taylor-Green and Eva Taylor. Mary was the last surviving member of her generation of the Leigh Taylor family.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 15 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church with Jeanie Sedivy officiating. Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.
Memorials may be given to Box Butte County 4-H, 416 Black Hills, Alliance, NE 69301, Prairie Haven Hospice, 1118 Flack Avenue, Alliance or the United Methodist Church, 704 Box Butte, Alliance.