Stella Taylor, 67, died Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal.
She was born Feb. 6, 1957 to Thomas and Elise (Korb) Murphy.
She married Rick Taylor Feb. 6, 1981. He survives.
She spent her childhood doing ballet, swimming, and trying to outdo her older brothers, Aubrey and Lionel, every chance she got.
She attended Queen Elizabeth Girls School in Salisbury, Rhodesia. Upon completion of school, she went on a backpacking trip from Mozambique to South Africa before beginning nursing training. She completed her training and served as a nurse during the Rhodesian Guerilla War. After her children had all graduated from high school, she chose to go back to the nursing profession, completing her RN through Seward County Community College and serving in many capacities until her retirement in 2020.
She missed no opportunities to visit the beach whenever she could. Her other hobbies included gardening, sewing, crocheting, swimming, and scuba diving. She coached the Southwest Aquatics Swim Team for a number of years.
She could be found spoiling her grandchildren, chasing them around the garden, and cheering them on from the stands.
Survivors also include sons, Chad Taylor and wife, Kathryn, and Nathaniel Taylor; daughters, Tanya Bradley and husband, Herb, and Brittany Macias and husband, Joseph; seven grandchildren: Colby Casaus and wife, Celeste, Zachery Bradley, Ashlynn Bradley, Jaysen Macias, Briggin Macias, Myles Taylor, and Mason Taylor; brothers, Lionel Murphy and wife, Kathleen, and Wayne Blumberg.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Aubrey Murphy.
• Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Liberal.
There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.
Memorials are suggested to St Jude Children's Hospital in care of Miller Mortuary PO Box 826 Liberal, KS 67901.
Condolences may be left at www.millermortuary.net.
