Carolyn Vivian Taylor

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, family member, and friend whose love shaped the lives of those around her in immeasurable ways. Though her passing leaves an enormous hole in the hearts of those who loved her, her family finds peace in knowing she is now free from suffering and reunited with her beloved husband and the love of her life since 1957, Jerry Taylor, along with all those she loved who went before her.

Carolyn was also preceded in death by two beloved grandchildren and one precious great-grandchild, all of whom she carried in her heart always. Her family finds comfort in imagining those joyful reunions now made whole again.

While Carolyn was born in Phoenix, Arizona and raised in Redondo Beach, California, her family’s roots in Arizona ran deep for generations. Her great-grandmother, Sallie B. Pemberton, arrived in Arizona in 1887, traveling by horseback from Phoenix to Camp Verde before eventually settling in Roosevelt. Sallie and her husband later moved to Globe but returned to Roosevelt in 1904 to participate in the building of Roosevelt Dam, remaining there for the rest of their lives.

Carolyn’s grandmother, Stella Frazier, and her husband, Thad Frazier, were also deeply connected to the history and development of Roosevelt during the dam’s construction years between 1905 and 1911. Together they operated Frazier’s Store and Resort in Roosevelt from 1908 until Thad’s passing in 1964, after which Stella continued running the store until 1969. Stella also faithfully served the community as Roosevelt’s Postmaster from 1916 to 1958. The Frazier family history remains woven into the fabric of the Roosevelt area and continues to be recognized today through landmarks bearing the family name, including the Frazier APS Substation, Frazier Trailhead, and Frazier Horse Campground.

Though Carolyn’s family history was rooted in Roosevelt and she was raised in Southern California, she and Jerry found their true home in Camp Verde and Lake Montezuma, Arizona, where they built a life together and lived from 1972 to 2018. Camp Verde was where they raised their family, built lifelong friendships, and created decades of cherished memories. Arizona always held a special place in Carolyn’s heart, but Camp Verde was truly home.

Carolyn found joy in life’s simple but meaningful moments: enjoying a glass of white wine, watching Hallmark movies, playing cards and games, and spending precious time with the people she loved most. Even during her final months, her spirit and personality remained beautifully intact — including lovingly offering unsolicited advice to everyone around her and keeping her children on their toes as they cared for her when she could no longer get around on her own.

Those who knew Carolyn through the years remember a truly classy woman who was always beautifully put together while also being one of the kindest people they had ever met. She had a warmth about her that made others feel welcomed, cared for, and valued, and her gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Carolyn is survived by her four children: Kent Taylor (Victoria), Kellie Vache (Don), Allison Eckert (Eric), and Kristen Taylor; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

A celebration of life honoring Carolyn will be held on July 11, 2026, from 11am-2pm, at Robbie’s Restaurant, 5155 N. Dave Wingfield Rd., Rimrock, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Compassus Hospice, 1821 N. Trekell Rd., #8, Casa Grande, Arizona 85122 or to the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Building Fund, 201 N. Picacho St., Casa Grande, Arizona 85122.