Guenivere Crook Taylor

On Wednesday June 14, 2017, Guenivere Ruth Crook Taylor returned to her Heavenly Father and her beloved husband and family. Gwen passed from this life at Lincoln Court where she lived and called home for the last three and a half years. Gwen was born on December 18, 1922 to Samuel Orson Crook Jr. and Laura Catherine Jenkins Crook in Smoot Wyoming. The little Crook home was filled with love and children, brothers Russell and Lamont, sisters Beatrice, Florence, and Gwenie, the youngest. In 1925, tragically, her mother Laura passed away leaving her father Samuel with a young family. Grandma Mary Winterbottom Crook became the family’s loving care giver and Gwen’s strength. In 1927 her father, Grandma Mary and the Crook family moved to Idaho Falls where they lived for a few years. During that time, Gwen spent much of her time in Grant with her oldest sister, Florence and Florence’s husband Ray. She attended schools in Idaho Falls, Grant and Midway High School.It was in Grant that she met the love of her life, Junius Lyman Taylor. After years of courting, they were married in the Logan Utah LDS Temple on November 18, 1941. They returned home to Grant to a new two room cottage. Over the years with additions and improvements, the little cottage became their beloved family home where they remained for the next 72 years.Gwen and Junius were blessed with 3 children: Terry J. (Terri) Taylor of Ammon, Idaho; Richard Lyman (Jeanie) of Logan, Utah; Cindy Taylor (Dexter) Ball of Twin Falls, Idaho.Together they raised their children on the family farm where the children learned the love for animals, respect for the land, and the value of hard day’s work. Gwen’s passion for beauty and elegance was everywhere. Her love of flowers, a manicured yard and a beautifully decorated home became her hallmark. Her grace, style and talent was shared with all that knew her. She became a beautiful artist creating lovely oil paintings that were gifts of love to family and friends.  Gwen was involved in each of her children’s lives, participating in all they did. She supported them in 4-H, sports, piano and dancing. Her teachings and her example of honesty, strength, and compassion were instilled in her children and grandchildren throughout their lives.Gwen worked at JC Penny for many years after the children were all in school. During that time, she became involved in several professional organizations, becoming a member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, the Idaho Falls Art Guild and the American Business Women’s Association. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints, serving on the Rigby Stake MIA Board, President and Counselor in the Young Women’s organization, and Counselor in the Primary. Gwen served in the Relief Society as a visiting teacher for 60 years. She was a member of the Singing Mothers, the Grant Variety Club, and the Quilting Club. She was a dedicated historian, publishing The First Hundred Years, A History of the Grant Ward.  Gwen is survived by her 3 children, 12 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband, Junius, parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters and great grandson Jordon Barney.  Graveside services will be held Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at the Grant Central Cemetery at 12:00 Noon. The family will visit with friends and family prior to the service at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 West Main Street, Rigby, Idaho, from 11:00-11:45am.  Gwen’s family expresses their appreciation to the wonderful staff at Lincoln Court, Leland Krantz MD, Megan Nelson, RN, and staff at OneSource Hospice, for the loving care they provided.