MARY ISABELLE TAYLOR

Aug. 8, 1926–Feb. 14, 2019
Mary Isabelle Taylor (92) passed away peacefully on Feb. 14, 2019, at home, surrounded by loved ones. She was born Aug. 8, 1926 in Lead, S.D., to her father, John Fann, and her mother, Alice Dewing.
Mary Isabelle graduated high school from Newcastle, Wyo. She signed up to be a cadet nurse for the military and received her Registered Nursing diploma. After receiving her RN, Mary Isabelle went to work for Newcastle Wyoming hospital, where during her career she was able to assist with the delivery of nine of her grandchildren. Mary Isabelle worked diligently as an RN for the hospital and the Weston County Manor until retirement. After retirement Mary Isabelle followed her true passion and opened up her own needlework shop called, Village Stitchery. 
Mary Isabelle met the love of her life Charles Junior Taylor after he returned from serving in the Navy. They married on July 11, 1948, in Newcastle. During this time they welcomed four children into their home, Barbra, Charles, Liz (Elizabeth), and Carolyn. 
Charles and Mary Isabelle raised their family in Newcastle. Mary Isabelle had a passion for continued learning and a zest for life. She taught herself how to knit, needlepoint, and crochet. She even became a certified “Master Knitter and Crocheter.” Mary Isabelle loved to share her knowledge and continued teaching others until the age of 92. 
Some of her accomplishments include, needle-pointing a chair for the Wyoming governor’s mansion, organizing operation Santa Claus that donated knitted items to children in need, and participating in several charities. She also received numerous awards, including at the Weston County Fair. 
Mary Isabelle is survived by her children, Barbra Russell (Iraq), Charles (Beverly) Taylor of Fryberg, Maine, Liz (Gene) Kraft of Glendale, Ariz., and Carolyn Dowdy of Rapid City, S.D. She is also by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. 
She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her brother, Leo Morse. 
There will be a memorial service on March 29 at 10 a.m. at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City, with luncheon to follow.  Also, there will be a gravesite service in Newcastle at approximately 2:30 p.m., weather permitting.