Rita Taylor, 85, of Centralia, passed away August 1, 2021 at Centralia Fireside House with her family at her side.
Rita was a faithful employee of Raymond & Dorothy McGuire for many years. She loved to play pinochle, watch westerns and Hallmark movies, and just sit outside and enjoy nature. She was of member of St. Mary Church in Centralia and also a member of the St. Mary Altar Society. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
Mass of Christian Burial for Rita Taylor will be held Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 12:00 PM at the St. Mary Church in Centralia with Father Steven Pautler officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Visitation will be held Saturday from 11:00 PM to 12:00 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary Church and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Taylor Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook Page.
Rita was born October 4, 1935 in Damiansville, IL, daughter of Bernard and Frances(Grapperhaus) Santel. She married Norman Taylor on April 26, 1955 and he preceded her in death.
She is survived by two sons: David Taylor and wife Holly of Lebanon, MO and John Taylor and wife Cindy of Centralia; four grandchildren: Amanda Copple and husband Matt, Melissa Defend and husband Ryan, Nathan Taylor and wife Liz and Cassie Stover and husband Chris all of Centralia. 8 great grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters: Rose Kuhl (Lavern), Sylvia Hyde, and Dorothy Bollmeier (Don), brother in law James Taylor and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Viola Hemker, brothers and sisters in laws, Wayne Hyde, Virgil Hemker, Bernard and Opal Suhl, Wilson Taylor, Billie Taylor, Betty and Ray Fogerty, Rita Taylor and great granddaughter, Alyssa Heath.
