Carolyn Louise Taylor

Carolyn Louise (Ritchie) Taylor, age 92, peacefully passed away on December 24th, 2023. Carolyn was born on June 25th, 1931 to Fritz and Signe (Nelson) Anderson in Rockford, Illinois. She grew up in Rockford with sisters Lila (Leech) and Frances (Swanson). In high school Carolyn enjoyed a variety of clubs, one of which she and five friends formed called the Six Jovial Youths. In her yearbook her friends mentioned what a swell gal she was and that they had such wholesome fun together. Carolyn graduated from East Rockford High in 1949. After high school she worked as a dental assistant prior to her marriage to Donald Ritchie. She gave Don support and love through the demanding years of medical school and residency. They had Kristine Bott of Sallanches, France, Karen (Warner) Hudson of Papillion, Nebraska, and Thomas Ritchie of Becker, Minnesota.

Don and Carolyn settled in St. Cloud, Minnesota where Don started his practice. They enjoyed a life full of fun times! Don and Carolyn loved the outdoors, many wonderful camping adventures made for lots of great memories for the family. Don’s Eagle Scout skills and Carolyn’s expertise at turning a tent and fire pit into a comfortable, well-run and equipped campsite. This made our outdoors experience all the more special.

In St. Cloud, Carolyn volunteered as a Brownie leader, a hostess for the St. Cloud hospital, Humane Society and Hot Meals on Wheels. Don taught Carolyn how to play bridge, they then formed a dinner bridge group called the FaHaRaBa’s!

Carolyn and Don divorced. Carolyn was blessed to meet and fall in love with Stan Taylor of Akron, Iowa. They were married in 1993 and resided in Akron, enjoying their home, family and friends. In 1994 Carolyn was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent surgery and radiation. She was a cancer survivor. Stan and Carolyn spent many years of traveling and sailing on Stan’s sailboat. Always on the go, enjoying each other. Sadly Stan passed away in 2018.

Carolyn’s most important job was being a Mother. She did this with unwavering dedication and love. She was a constant presence in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives. Carolyn was immensely proud of her family and leaves nothing but beautiful memories. She never “retired” from this job. She loved her family fiercely till her last earthly breath.

Carolyn is survived by her three children, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Carolyn touched so many lives with her kindness. There will be a Celebration of her life and Memorial on Thursday, January 11th, 10:00am at Kahler-Dolce Mortuary in Papillion, Nebraska. Inurnment at Fairview Cemetery in Papillion, Nebraska.