Evelyn "Betty" Taylor

Evelyn “Betty” Taylor always looked on the bright side of life. Never one to show anger and often wondered why anyone would feel that way, she happily gave of her many valuable resources over the years. She was a devoted member of her church and lived a faith-filled life where she trusted in her Lord and Savior. Even at the end of her days, she never wavered in her steadfast trust in His divine grace. Fondly remembered for her caring and loving heart, Betty leaves behind a rich collection of wonderful memories to be cherished for years to come.

The Roaring Twenties was a period of sustained economic prosperity with a distinctive cultural edge. Jazz music was booming, as well as the automotive industry, and the nation was seeing large scale industrial growth which brought about significant changes during this time. With the media focused on celebrities, especially sports heroes and movie figures on August 14, 1924 Edgar and Nellie (Reinbolt) Louden welcomed home their newborn baby girl, Evelyn in Wakeshma, Michigan. Born to a hard-working set of parents; her father a farmer and her mother a homemaker, Evelyn’s birth brought them much hope and happiness. She arrived during a mark in history that was filled with feelings of both freedom and independence.

Grew up in Vicksburg in the house her family built during the Civil War years, Evelyn, known as “Betty,” was the youngest of her seven siblings; Flossie, Edna, Iva, Mildred, Alfred, Luella, and Genevieve. She had a typical childhood of her generation, attending a one-room schoolhouse and walking to and from school each day. As a young girl, she had a special relationship with her Uncle George, who was remembered as funny and took time to help out with the large growing family. She was also close to her special friend, Velma Garrison throughout her childhood. Betty loved to learn and try new things making it easy for her to pick up the guitar, the piano, and even enjoy practicing calligraphy. She had a natural knack for learning and was always a well-mannered student. Sadly, by the time she was in the eighth grade, she was bedridden from an illness that caused her to miss two years of her traditional schooling. When she was finally healed, Betty enjoyed many days pitching in to help out on the family farm. She loved to garden and canned both fruits and vegetables for the long Midwest winters.

Not to be forgotten was the love of her life; Elmer Taylor. Knowing each other as young adolescents, they rekindled their connection one night at the local dance hall after he returned from the war. It was a memorable night and they couldn’t wait to spend the rest of their lives together! After only one month of dating, the happy couple eloped in South Bend, Indiana on February 22, 1947. They later settled down in the Doster area and together raised three wonderful children; Darrel, Marvin, and Evelyn. Elmer was a good provider working various jobs so that Betty could be home with the children. Nothing brought her greater joy than being a mom. Her natural ability to nurture each and every one of her children was easily noticeable by many of the neighborhood children as well who aptly nicknamed her, Aunt Betty. Her special way with children was infectious and delightful. She was known to always receive a reaction whenever she made eyes with a baby, even if it were a perfect stranger’s child!

Betty enjoyed a wide variety of special interests over the years. She loved to continue her calligraphy into her adult years, go on camping trips, take nature walks, or long bike rides. In addition to children, Betty had a way with animals. She had many pets over the years, anything from birds, deer, and even a cow! She was also a lover of the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. She never passed up a walk along the beach and her favorite camping spot was Ft. Custer. Known to be a horrible driver who even took a one-way road the wrong way, her passengers often felt scared to ride with her as she was so easily distracted. She took their criticism with a grain of salt as she had never once been in an accident!

Although motherhood was her favorite role in life, Betty might argue that her grandchildren were the icing on the cake! She loved supporting each and every one of them and attending their special events over the years. Sarah, Amy (Jason) Creech, Donny, Mike, Isaac, Jacob, and Elijah enjoyed many special moments with her including eating her special pancakes! Her great-grandchildren; Zach, Rob, Alyssa, Nevaeh, Desmin, Sage, Savannah, Carrie, and Landon also treasured time with her as well as Ryan, her great-great grandson. Throughout the years, she cherished her time helping her family in any way she could. Described as a nurturer, a lover of all people, and generous beyond measure, Betty will be deeply missed by her special family and numerous lives she touched.

Evelyn “Betty” Taylor, age 92, of Vicksburg, passed away on January 23, 2017 in the comfort of her home. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Monday, January 30 from a 10–11am at the Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg; 409 S. Main St (649-1697). A funeral service will follow at 11 am at the same location. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Evelyn; 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer; 2 sons; her parents; 7 sisters and 1 brother. Please visit Evelyn’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online. Memorial donations may be made to Kalamazoo Countryside Church.