Rita K Taylor

Rita K Taylor, a beloved mother, grandmother, and a shining light in the lives of many, passed away on November 13, 2025, at the age of 91 in Grand Junction, Colorado. Born on December 30, 1933, in Moreland, Oklahoma, Rita lived a full and meaningful life, one that was characterized by her unwavering dedication to her family and her community.

Rita was more than just a loving wife and mother; she was the cornerstone of her family, always advocating for her loved ones. As her children fondly recall, "Our mom was always our champion." With a career that included being a Corporate Cage Manager at Boyd Gaming Corporation, Rita exemplified hard work and integrity. However, her most cherished accomplishments were not found in the confines of her professional life but in the generous spirit she showed to everyone around her. She instilled in her children the values of hard work, honesty, and faithfulness, cultivating a legacy that will endure for generations.

Beyond her years in the workforce, Rita enjoyed a rich tapestry of hobbies that included playing softball, gardening, and enjoying ceramic classes with her daughters. These passions brought her immense joy, allowing her to connect with her family and create lasting memories.

Rita's greatest pride lay in her four children: Cindy Reid (Craig), Terry Taylor (Rita), and Amy Stauffer (Rudy). To them, she was not just a parent but a guiding light and an example of faith. Her love for them was palpable, and in her heart, she believed that they were her greatest legacy. Her favorite Bible verse, 3 John 1:4, encapsulated this sentiment perfectly: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

She celebrated and nurtured the lives of her grandchildren, Micah, Shawna, Casey, Jennifer, Audrey, Candice, Jamie, Jim, Cindy, Jean, Melissa, Randy, and Mike, as well as her 28 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, enveloping them all in her boundless love.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Taylor, her son, John Taylor, and grandsons Robby and Teddy. She also mourned the loss of her parents, Jim and Faye Kralicek, along with several brothers and sisters. Each of these losses shaped her but never diminished her remarkable spirit.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in her honor on December 6, 2025, at the Church on the Hill in Montrose, Colorado, where family and friends will gather to share their fond memories and celebrate the extraordinary life of this remarkable woman.

Rita K Taylor was a beacon of love, kindness, and strength. Her memory will forever reside in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.