Helen Elizabeth Taylor Dillard made her way back to her Heavenly Home on July 21, 2018, having just taken up residence at the Courtyard Care Center in Fruita. She was born on December 9, 1919, in Quincy, Illinois, to Leo E. Taylor and Kathryn E. Yeargain Taylor. The parents then moved the infant Helen and her older sister Ruth to live in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Another sibling, a son, Jim, was born there. She attended elementary schools and graduated Rocky Ford High School.
On graduation she married Jackson Dearen Dillard, and became mom to three children in the first five years of that marriage. The family moved to La Junta, and then in 1955 moved to Grand Junction where the Dillard’s opened a carpet and drapery store which they ran for 22 years on Main Street. As a businesswoman, Helen served as presiding officer of the local chapter of Soroptomist International, a business and professional women's organization. Other voluntary activities included fifteen years with the Mesa County Library, as well as serving on the Board for the Community Food Bank.
Helen had three passions: her church, her artistic talent, and her children. An 85-year member of First Christian Church in Rocky Ford, La Junta, and Grand Junction, she was always an active participant in leadership, planning, and execution of their various ministries. Her artistic talent was obvious as a youngster and in her entire busy life; she always set aside time for continued learning of her craft, retiring her final class at age 92. In later years watercolor became her medium of choice. Her many successes were evidenced on the walls of her home. She was also a word-smith and even wrote a couple of published poems.
Helen had a singular personality, as those who knew her would attest. She was a "toughie", with hard edges that surrounded her every relationship. She didn't smile much, never cried, and never failed to express her opinion, seemingly lacking a filter to soften the blow. On the other hand, she could be hysterically funny and was noted by the many pranks she ardently played, some which have become historical notes among family and friends. To quote a friend: "...What a dear, witty, edgy, sharp, fun, straight-forward, independent, free-thinking, talented, God-loving little lady..." That was our mom. A secret softie.
Our heartfelt thanks to those who so faithfully and lovingly cared for her at Mantey Heights Rehab and Care Centre. You know who you are. Memorials will be gratefully accepted by First Christian Church, Grand Junction, or HopeWest Hospice. A celebration of her life will be held at First Christian Church, 1326 N 1st St, Grand Junction, CO 81501 on Friday, September 28, 2018 at 11:00am.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18