Bishop’s mother dies in Ponca City after illness


Rachel Taylor

PONCA CITY, OKLA. — Rachel J. Roth Taylor, mother of Bishop Anthony B. Taylor, died at home April 26. She was 83.

Bishop Taylor was with his mother and family at the time of her death.

“While this is a time of loss for me and my family, we are also filled with relief that her time of suffering has come to an end,” he said.

Taylor was born Nov. 6, 1932, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, the daughter of Emil and Cecilia Roth. She spent her early childhood was in Buffalo, N.Y., and Indianapolis. In 1942 the family moved to Fort Worth, Texas. She attended Our Lady of Victory High School where she was a cheerleader. After graduation she attended Texas Christian University and graduated in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in home economics. During college she was active in the Catholic Youth Organization as secretary and social coordinator. In 1952 she was chosen princess of the Mardi Gras.

She married Basil H. Taylor in 1953 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Fort Worth, Texas. They had seven children. In 1960 the family moved to Ponca City and she quickly became an “Okie.” She served as a volunteer at the hospital for 40 years and was on the parish council at St. Mary Parish. She joined the St. Francis Guild and was active more than 25 years with bereavement luncheons and the annual St. Patrick’s Day Salad Luncheon, acting as co-chairwoman.

One of her main hobbies was playing cards, especially bridge. She acquired friendships that lasted more than 60 years by playing in three bridge clubs.

She is survived by her husband; five sons, Bishop Taylor, Michael Taylor, Joseph Taylor, Paul Taylor and Leo Taylor; two daughters, Mary Gamble and Rosie Woodard; one sister, Rose Marie Fischer; 16 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

A rosary will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, April 29 at Trout Funeral Home Chapel in Ponca City. Bishop Taylor will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 30 at St. Mary Church.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at noon, Wednesday May 4 at St. John Center in Little Rock.

Memorials can be made to the Living Hope Pregnancy Center, 1300 W. Grand Avenue, Ponca City, OK 74601.

 

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