Zelda Christina Taylor Obituary (1917 - 2017)

Zelda Christina Smethurst Taylor November 22, 1917 - September 6, 2017 Click here to listen to the funeral recording. Zelda Taylor, age 99, passed away at the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home September 6, 2017 with family and friends at her side. Zelda was born November 22,1917 in Evanston, Wyoming and was the first of two daughters born to Arthur and Ivie C. Smethurst. As a young girl, Zelda spent her childhood in Evanston and Riverdale, Utah. In Riverdale, she had fun on a five-acre fruit farm. She played among the cherry and peach trees with her sister, Ada, who was two years younger. Zelda and Ada would walk three to four miles a day to and from school. When Zelda was nine years old and Ada was seven, they were walking to school and Ada was hit by a large truck and it took her life. This accident changed Zelda's life as a child. Their family then moved to Ogden where Zelda attended Dee School. She learned to play the harmonica, joined the band, and marched in many parades. Zelda then attended Lincoln Middle School and participated in several school plays. From there, she attended Mound Fort and worked after school behind the soda fountain at Knighton's Corner Confectionery. While at Mound Fort she met her future husband, Gilbert Taylor, at a dance. Zelda graduated from Ogden High School in 1936 and married Gilbert in 1937. A few years later they were sealed in the Logan Temple. Gilbert and Zelda had three daughters, Fay, Judy, and Christy. Zelda had such a great love for each and every family member. She now has a wonderful posterity of 103. We will miss her hugs and thoughtful birthday cards. Zelda was an active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She worked for several doctors in Ogden as their assistant. She received her Nurses Aid Certificate in 1945 and found gratifying happiness in serving others. She also received enjoyment in art, painting ceramics, sewing beautiful clothing, and doing all kinds of needlework, creating outstanding pieces. The greatest of her many talents was her natural ability to cook. Each meal had to have the very best ingredients, flavor, and presentation. She loved traveling with Gilbert and meeting nice people and new friends. They were outstanding ballroom dancers, traveling all over doing exhibition dancing for organizations and various functions. They were also proficient square dancers. Zelda has had a tremendous influence which will be felt for generations to come. She is survived by her three daughters, Fay (Vern) Stacey, Judy (Bruce, deceased) Beckey, and Christy (Kevin) Bailey, 14 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren, and 37 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Taylor. Our family would like to thank the wonderful, constant care and teamwork of the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home and Bristol Hospice. Zelda lived there for three years and was so happy and comfortable with the doctors, nurses, CNA's, social workers, volunteers and other staff. She enjoyed the meals, church services and activities, especially Bingo. She truly loved all the wonderful residents, the whole experience was like being with a large family. Zelda and our family love them so much. Mom called this place HOME. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2017 at Myers Ogden Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd. Friends and family may call from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. prior to the service. Interment in the Ogden City Cemetery. VisitationMyers Mortuary of Ogden 1875 Monroe Blvd Ogden, Utah 84401 September 11, 2017 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM ServiceMyers Mortuary of Ogden 845 Washington Blvd. Ogden, UT 84404 September 11, 2017 3:00 PM BurialOgden City Cemetery 20th and Madison Ogden, UT 84404 September 11, 2017