Mary Lynn Taylor, age 86, of Miles City passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024 in Sheridan, Wyoming.
Mary Lynn was born to Hugo Edward Zuelke and Mary Bohling Zuelke on March 9, 1938 in Miles City, Montana the youngest in a family of five. She attended Miles City Elementary Schools where she met her future husband, Vern Taylor, in the 5th grade at Lincoln School. During her high school years, she was active in Rainbow for Girls going through all the chairs and serving as Worthy Advisor in 1956, Ushers Club and CCHS Band. After graduation in 1956, she went to work at Midland Coal & Lumber Company as a secretary. On June 26, 1957, she married Vern Taylor and they moved to Bozeman where he was a sophomore in college. She worked first in the Extension Livestock & Range Office and then as secretary at the History, Government & Philosophy Department for four years. She was very proud of her PHT degree (Putting Hubby Through) which she received in 1960. When she was 12, she started clerking at the Eastern Montana Fair and continued to do so during fair time. At 19 she took over as office manager and in 1985 she became the Fair Manager for 15 years before retiring in 2000 completing 50 years at the fairgrounds. She received the Fair Manager of the Year award in 1993 from Rocky Mountain Assn. of Fairs, served on the Board and was named President of Rocky Mountain Assn. of Fairs in 1993-94, received the American Heritage Award in 1998 also. Other places she worked over the years were Montana Dakota Utilities, Soil Conservation Service and Howe Appraisals. She was a 20 year member and past president of United Transportation Union through her father a Milwaukee Railroad conductor, a member of the First Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder, deacon and was active in PW for many years. In 1974, she started the Fireflies 4-H Club and was a leader for 10 years, was a Future Homemakers of America chapter parent for six years and received an Honorary Future Farmer degree from the CCHS FFA.
Mary Lynn loved riding horses and doing ranch work, camping with family or friends, traveling, sewing, crocheting, knitting, playing bridge and most especially enjoying her family. She tried to make as many sporting events and other activities her grandchildren were involved in through the years and especially loved all basketball games.
During the last couple of years, Mary Lynn’s health began to decline, which took some of her independence away. Eventually, she moved to Sheridan, Wyoming to live at Cascades of Sugarland Assisted Living and to be near her daughters, and their families. Many wonderful memories were made with mom/grandmother/GiGi during the recent holidays, her 86th birthday and Easter while living in Sheridan for a few short months.
She was preceded in death by her husband Vern Taylor, parents Hugo and Mary Zuelke, sister Ellen Roberts (Dwight) and brothers Earl, Al (Tillie) and Ray (Grace)
Mary Lynn is survived by her daughters Laurie Graves (Will) and Becky Bard (Gene), son Craig Taylor (Sherry), grandchildren: Taylor Graves (Andrea), Caty Clabaugh (Lamont), Brody Bard, Bailey Bard (and fiancé Sean Munger), McKenzie Gaskill (Garrett), Amber Taylor, four great granddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to specially thank Jane Shores for the special care and assistance she provided for Mary Lynn the last several years.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Frist Presbyterian Church, 1401 Main Street, Miles City, MT 59301 for their fund to fix the marquis or to the Range Riders Museum, 435 L P Anderson Rd., Miles City, MT 59301.
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 9, 2024
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday May 10, 2024
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 9, 2024
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday May 10, 2024
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Vickie and Dave Gunderson says
To all of Mary Lynn’s family, we’re so sorry to hear about her passing. She and Vern were such good friends of my parents (Don and Eleanor) and were so kind and helpful to us when they passed away. Hugs and prayers to all of you💔
Jerry and Sue Backlund says
We are so sorry to hear of Mary Lynn’s passing. Condolences to all the family. She was not only a pillar of our community but also to our church. Her and Vern were so kind and thoughtful willing to help anyone. They certainly showed us how we should live. She will be missed by many.
Patsy George Almy says
Mary Lynn offered me a tremendous compliment one time when I was needing encouragement. She had more faith in me than I did. God bless her, I’ve thought of that so many times. Having lost my own wonderful mother, I know that this next chapter of your lives will sometimes bring blinding sorrow. I will pray for you as you begin this journey.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Dear Family, I’m so sorry to read this. She was a wonderful person. She was my first guidance for the fair office. She was kind, soft spoken and a wonderful teacher. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Tom Zuelke says
Laurie, Becky, and Craig,
What can I say. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you all.
Bobbi Askin says
Sure going to miss you Mary Lynn. You were such an inspiration to all of us at the First Presbyterian Church. All the things that you and Vern helped take care of at the church, always with a smile. The entire Minute for Mission Committee will miss the fun we had getting ready for our Mission breakfast, the laughter and the love that we all shared with you. Rest in Peace dear Mary Lynn and fly high with the angels. I know Vern is happy to see you.
Sandy Williams says
So sorry Mary Lynn!! The MC fair will miss you greatly!!
Susan Sanderson says
I’m so sad to see this. Mary Lynn was such a classy lady. I loved working with her at the fair. She did her job with great pride & was an outstanding Manager.
Prayers to you all at this difficult time.
Karen Morris says
I was saddened to read of Mary Lynn’s passing. So many memories and so hard to believe how much time has passed. May you find solace and peace in your memories. She will truly be missed.
Lou Schield says
So sorry to read this. She and I had a great conversation after your father passed away. Your dad and my husband worked together at the B.L.M. In Miles City. She was a very classy lady. So sorry again.
Fred South says
So sorry for your loss. One of my favorite classmates.
Bill Zook says
It is increasingly hard to accept a friend and classmate’s passing. Mary Lynn and I were friends since we were six years old! I was so pleased when she and Vern got married, I can only pray they are together again. The family has to know how blessed they have been. Prayers for you all!
Dan and Jean Doran says
So sorry to hear of Mary Lynn’s passing. She was a wonderful person. Vern and Mary can now be together again. They we’re good neighbors.
Richard Bonine says
Laurie, Becky, and Craig
I am so sorry for your loss. Both your mom and dad were wonderful people, and did so much to improve the lives of those they served. They will be missed. I wish you peace an comfort in this difficult time.
Kori Herzog Black says
So Sorry to hear of Mary Lynns passing. I have always admired her. Thinking of you Becky and the rest of your family. God’s comfort at this time.
Denise Harvey says
What a gracious and lovely woman!
Thank you for sharing her with us.
Denise Oberlander Harvey
Val Peaslee says
Laurie, Becky, and Craig: so very sorry to hear of your sweet mother’s passing. She was such a special lady and will be missed.
Barb (Bonine) Holcomb says
Laurie, Becky & Craig – many great memories of your mom (and dad) from when my grandparents lived next door in the Michael’s apartments to 4-H to the fair. I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers!
Sandra vinge says
Mary Lynn was a great friend from 2nd grade. She was a wonderful person and I will miss her so much. I was in her wedding, we had our first babies just two months apart, and spent many hours talking on the phone while we were ironing. She opened up her house to my large family when my mother passed away and we all came for the funeral. I know Vern was the love of her life so I pray they will meet again now. Miles city will miss her greatly.
Larry and Judy Jens says
We enjoyed Vern and Mary Lynn’s friendship. We send our condolences and prayers to your extended family. Am sure that Mary Lynn missed Vern so very much. We’re glad that they are together in the presence of their savior.
Carol Arzy Webb says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am sure the Lord is with you in this difficult time.
Tab Fleming says
Laurie,Becky and Craig, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. Mary Lynn was a very special woman. I have so many fond memories of her and your dad. She was one of the finest people I have ever known. Between the fair which she ran with so much professionalism and the church that she cared so deeply for, she will remembered as a true leader. Love for all of you and extended families now and in the time to come.
Bobbi Roberts says
Laurie, Becky and Craig – so sorry to learn that Mary Lynn had passed away. Many great memories of her and Vern and all the Christmases we spent with your family.
BERNADETTE MILLER says
I enjoyed getting to know Mary Lynn over the years at my job at HRH or at the fair grounds. Vern and Mary Lynn were just wonderful friends in our community. They loved everyone!
Beverly Haynes says
Sorry to hear of Mary Lynn’s passing. She was such a gracious lady. I remember her from the efficient job she did at the fairgrounds in MC. I enjoyed visiting with she and Vern in Bighorn watching their granddaughter play volleyball. Comfort and Peace to her family!
Rob and Sherri Schneidt says
Craig, Sherry and family, so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
DeDe Stieber says
Dear Laurie, Becky, and Craig and the entire family:
We are so sorry for your loss and Heaven’s gain. You have our daily prayers for strength and all of our sympathy. I know that Great Uncle Vernie is probably doing the “jitterbug” dance with Great Aunt Mary Lynn in Heaven already! I have such great memories of them at the Rock Springs Hall, the Eastern Montana Fair, birthday parties, and the weddings (especially Canada), reunions (especially Medora), and all the family functions that they attended and/or helped put together with their hard work and smiling faces! We will miss you greatly until we see you again! May the Good Lord give you Peace and comfort at this difficult time. DeDe Sprandel Stieber and Family
Jan. Champion says
Laurie ,Becky , & Craig. Sorry to hear about your mom.
What a great lady. We will all miss her
My condolences to all If you need anything please call
Keep the smile on and chin up. My love
Tayvee Steen says
Sorry for your loss will be praying for you all and comfort from the Lord. Lots of Love from The Steen’s
Karson and Marie Farnum Kluver says
Karson and Marie Farnum Kluver
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Enjoyed visits with your parents.
Debbi King says
Laurie, Becky and Craig. I was so saddened to hear of Mary Lynn’s passing. Our families have had interaction since your grandparents and Ellen bookend my family on Lake street. It was always a treat to run into your folks when they supported you girls and families here in Sheridan. I also enjoyed your accounts of her strength and determination to be independent after Vern’s passing. Prayers of comfort to you all.
Jim Thompson says
Sorry to hear of Mary Lynn “Jiggs” passing. Have many great memories of time spent with Vern and Mary Lynn during many, many Bucking Horse Sale celebrations. We had a permanent spot in front of the Montana for street dances and so many parades. My condolences to the family for your loss, she was a bright, shining light and will be very much missed.
Terri & Heath Nation says
Craig and family,
So sorry for your loss. Your mom was always so kind and friendly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Helen Jeanne Jones says
Walt and I send our sympathy and condolences to Mary Lynn’s children and their families. Mary Lynn has been a very good friend for many years. I, too, was in Vern and Mary Lynn’s wedding. We have fond memories of years past and she will be greatly missed.