Colleen Taylor passed away peacefully on June 3, 2023, at the age of 88. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Moab chapter of Alpha Rho and to the Moab Chapter of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers via Tammy Taylor (280 West Center Street, Moab, Utah 84532).
Colleen was born on September 2, 1934, to Alvie Eugene Holyoak and Ada Elizabeth Johnson Holyoak, both lifelong Moab residents. Colleen stayed in the Moab area her entire life except for a short stay in Chicago while her husband served in the Army during the Korean War.
A descendant of the original Hole in the Rock Expedition, Colleen was proud of her pioneer heritage. She loved Moab and lived to see it through many changes as it went from a small farming community to a thriving uranium town and again as the tourist industry was born. A graduate of Grand County High School class of 1952, Colleen married the love of her life, D.L. Taylor, on May 17, 1952. Colleen loved her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she dedicated her life to that role. She was always there for her family, and she was the first to volunteer to help whenever she was needed. Her heart was always with D.L. on their cattle ranch where they shared many wonderful years together.
Colleen will always be known for her generous spirit. Her free time was usually spent immersing herself in crafts and sewing projects, all intended as gifts for others. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren had fond memories of the dresses, nightgowns, and pillows she sewed for them. Colleen also enjoyed sewing colorful hats that she would donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Primary Children’s Medical Center, in hopes that they would bring cheer to children battling cancer. In the community, she gave hours of service through her sorority, Alpha Rho, of which she was a dedicated member for 66 years.
Through the years, Colleen went through life with a positive attitude that spread light to those around her. She was loved by many and will be missed by many.
Colleen is survived by her children Don (Tracy) Taylor, Dee (Tammy) Taylor, and Kelly Taylor; her brothers Lloyd (Deanne) Holyoak, and Keith (Michelle) Holyoak; her five grandchildren Ryan (Nichole) Taylor, Mike (Heather) Taylor, Dylan (Heather) Taylor, Morgan Taylor, and Ben Taylor; and nine great-grandchildren.
Colleen was preceded in death by her husband, D.L. Taylor; her parents, Alvie and Ada Holyoak; and her brother, John Holyoak.
At Colleen’s request, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date.
You may send condolences to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
