Rita Yvonne Rasche Taylor

Rita Yvonne Rasché Taylor, born June 24, 1937, in Oak Park, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, December 27, 2001 after a gallant battle against breast cancer. Rita attended the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. It was there that she met her future husband, Dr. Peter F. Taylor. They were married in 1956 and spent three years in St. Louis where Dr. Taylor completed his dental studies at Washington University School of Dentistry and then moved to Rochester, Minnesota for three years where Dr. Taylor completed his studies in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. Dr. Taylor joined the US Army, and Rita became a very proud and active Army wife. Their tours took them to Fort Jackson, SC; Verdun, France; Frankfurt, Germany; San Antonio, TX; Fort Leonard Wood, MO; Fort Belvoir, VA; Augsburg, Germany; Fort Benning, GA; the Walter Reed Army Medical Center; and finally back to San Antonio where they made their home for the past 11 years. Rita was a past president of the Military-Civilian Club. Her battle against breast cancer was supported by many dear friends who gave her courage and strength, and she wanted all of them to know how much their concern meant to her. In particular, she wanted to thank Martha Johnson, Reenie Mills, Kathy Sill, Peggy Heilman, Cleo Allgood, Diane Fay, and Linda Kempf, plus the many, many people who were her email friends. These ladies and many others were a source of great strength to Rita. They are too numerous to mention. Rita was in touch with people from every facet of her life, even her college roommate. Rita loved animals and her days were brightened over the years by many beloved dogs. She will be missed by her basset hound, Roy. Rita wanted to thank her many health care providers—in particular Dr. Steven Kalter, CTRC and Dr. David Gunzburger. She would also want to thank the chemo nurses at CTRC, Ladonna, Marla, and Cindy, whose smiles were always there for her. She is survived by her beloved husband of 45 years, Dr. COL Peter F. Taylor; children, LTC Peter F. Taylor and wife Kim, and Vicki Rasché Roper and husband LTC Dan Roper, five grandchildren, Daniel S. Roper, Jr., David Roper, Natalie Roper, Kristin Taylor, and Erica Taylor. In addition, she is survived by her brother, Russell Rasché and wife Virginia and their son Matthew of Naperville, IL; and sister-in-law Mrs. Billie Sue Taylor of Monterey, California.