Barbara Jean Boyd Taylor, 83, of Dallas City, Ill., died Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at The Kensington in Fort Madison.
Born Dec. 23, 1939, in Anson, Mo., she was the daughter of Harl Wesley and Marvel Lenora Cole Boyd. She graduated high school from Sperry Union in 1958. Barbara married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Taylor on Nov. 23, 1973. He passed died Dec. 15, 2011.
Barbara worked at IRC in Burlington until they closed. She then went to work at Winegard in Burlington and worked there many years until her retirement.
Barbara loved the Mississippi River and was a member of the Burlington Ski Kats for many years. She was awarded Queen of the Burlington Ski Kats Club at her summer show during Steamboat Days in 1970.
She had a huge heart and had a great love of animals and nature. Yard work was an everyday event with Barbara. Her yard was always perfectly manicured and flowers were delicately placed. Barbara also really loved to go shopping.
Survivors include her stepdaughters, Cindy (Dennis) Smith of Burlington, Amy (Dale) Meth of Stronghurst, Ill.; grandchildren, Cody (Megan) Haigh of Rock Island, Ill., Taylor (Alisa) Smith of Burlington; great-grandchildren, Avery Smith, Ashton Smith and baby boy Haigh due in March 2024; sisters, Donna (Larry) McCarty of Fort Madison, Karen (Ray) Schnedler of Keosauqua; two sister-in-laws, Peggy Boyd of Vero Beach, Fla., Dolly Boyd of Colorado; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Merlin Boyd of Loveland, Co., Annabell Benefield of Birmingham, Ala., Ronald Boyd of Vero Beach, Fla. and grandson, Dalton Meth.
Family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The funeral service for Mrs. Taylor will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, with Pastor Dean Graber officiating. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh Funeral Service immediately following the service. Burial will be in Warren County Memorial Park.
A memorial has been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice and the PAW Animal Shelter.