Margie Ann Tayloe

Margie was born on March 8, 1939, in Festus, Missouri, to Lillie Mae and Ellis Havard. She grew up in a lively household that eventually included eight siblings—five brothers and three sisters. She graduated from Crystal City High School in Imperial, Missouri, in 1957.

Shortly after graduation, Margie met Leo Tayloe, and the two began their time together, marrying in 1958 in Arnold, Missouri. Together they built a life marked by adventure, family, and hard work. Their early years took them from a farm near Rosebud, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, and then to Park Falls, Wisconsin, as Leo pursued his career as a young civil engineer.

In 1964 they settled in Bedford, Indiana, where their son Rex was born, later moving to Jeffersonville, Indiana, where their daughter Leslee joined the family. In 1971 they purchased a small farm near Lebanon, Indiana, where they raised their children and built a nursery and landscape business. That work would eventually grow into the MarLar traffic control company, which Margie and Leo operated side by side for a decade.

After selling the business, the couple retired to a farm in Missouri, where they raised cattle and enjoyed a quieter life. Ten years later, Margie chose to return to Indiana to be closer to her children and grandchildren, settling in the Bloomington area. She truly embraced retirement there, cherishing time with her grandchildren and sharing many laughs, trips, and card games with the friends she made along the way. She especially loved playing bridge and traveling, collecting memories with the people she held dear.

Margie is survived by her husband of 67 years, Leo Tayloe; her daughter Leslee and husband Mike; her son Rex and wife Dawn; and her beloved grandchildren Laurel, Gus, and Hank. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, humor, and love for her family.

She wished to say goodbye and to send her love to all those whose lives touched hers during her wonderful 86 years on this earth.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donation in Margie’s name to the Down Syndrome Family Connection of Bloomington or Special Olympics of Monroe County.