Merle Taylor, daughter of the late Thomas N. Smith and Dora Garner Smith, was born on November 27, 1923, near Dexter, Missouri, and departed this life on February 28, 2022, at Cypress Point Skilled Nursing in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 98 years.
Merle attended Dexter Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1941. She was an active member of the Essex United Methodist Church, and of the Essex community. Merle was one of the organizers of the first Girl Scouts in Essex and a troop leader for many years. She was also a generous supporter of several charities. She proudly supported the Richland Rebels and enjoyed attending all her grandchildren’s activities.
On January 24, 1942, in the Methodist Church in Bloomfield, Missouri, she was united in marriage to Charles Taylor. Mr. Taylor preceded her in death on August 21, 2007.
She is survived by her son, Ronny Taylor and companion LaRhonda Gibson of Dexter, Missouri; by two daughters, Deena Kelley and husband Billy of Essex, Missouri, and Marsha Keller and husband Kenneth of Essex, Missouri; by eight grandchildren, Andy Kelley, Erik Kelley, Kurt Kelley, Leslie Haley, Josh Gibson, Carrie Wyman, Sarah Porter, and Rachel Dawson; and by fifteen great-grandchildren, Ryan Kelley, Drew Kelley, Kole Kelley, Charlie Kelley, Alyssa Thompson, Riley Moore, Jack Moore, Logan Haley, Morgan Haley, Kate Wyman, Joe Wyman, Alex Porter, Ava Porter, Adam Porter, Caroline Dawson and Ellie Dawson.
Other than by her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Arvel Smith and Otis Smith; and by three sisters, Irene Milley, Ruby West, and Wilma Prater.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Thursday, March 3, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Jayne Markin officiating. Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Essex United Methodist Church, PO Box 12, Essex, Missouri 63846; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38101; C.L.A.S.S, c/o Toni Pyle, 817 Bent Creek Est, Dexter, Missouri; or a charity of choice.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
