Betty Taylor

Canton - Betty A. Taylor, 83, of Canton passed away on Saturday, April 30th at her home surrounded by family.

She was born in Canton on August 24, 1932 to Clifton and Elizabeth (Strode) Kirkpatrick.  She married Dr. Willison I. Taylor in 1964; he preceded her in death in February of 1975. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Eldon Kirkpatrick and Marilyn Mosher and stepson Dr. Daniel Taylor.

Surviving are her daughter Karen (John) Disharoon of Dunlap, stepchildren Nancy Randol of Canton and Gary (Cathy) Taylor of Windsor, CO; 7 grandchildren: Mary (Randol) Mansker, Sue (Randol) Carpentier, Ann Randol, Kelly (Taylor) Russell, Kristen (Taylor) Deweese, Jack Disharoon and Taylor Disharoon; 14 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.

A lifelong Cantonian, Betty graduated Canton High School, Graham Hospital School of Nursing and Western Illinois University.  She worked as a nurse at Glenn-McGuire Clinic and Graham Hospital for 11 years and as a health teacher at Canton High School for 18 years.

Betty was heavily involved in the community.  She served on the Spoon River College Board of Trustees for 20 years, was an active member of her PEO, Altruistic Club, Friendship Festival Committee, the Community Concert Association, the Federated Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Fulton/McDonough Mental Health Association Board, and the Canton Community Resources Committee.  She volunteered for many groups including: YMCA, Canton Lions Club Eye Clinic, Cancer Association, and Illinois Heart Association.

Betty was honored with the Canton YWCA Woman of Distinction Award in 2000.

Most importantly, Betty was a compassionate, loving mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend.  She was tireless in her zeal to help others.

A memorial service for family and close friends will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton on Thursday, May 5th at 10 am with the Reverend Bruce Rushing officiating.

Memorial contributions can be directed to The Spoon River College Multi-Purpose Building Fund or the Wesley United Methodist Church 1895 Building Fund.