Martha C. Taylor

Martha C. Taylor, age 90, of Dora, Missouri, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on September 11, 2026. She was born on May 7, 1936, to Henry and Wilma Buscher.

 

In 1954, Martha married Harry Hanson. Their family included four children: Zerubbabel, born in 1956; Carol Jean, born in 1958; Anthony "Tony," born in 1960; and Brian Keith, born in 1963.

 

In 1971, she married the love of her life, Gene Taylor. They shared a wonderful marriage and created a lifetime of memories together until his passing in February 2026. Martha and Gene lived in New Strawn, Kansas, for the last 20 years. After Gene's passing, she moved to Dora, Missouri, to live with her son and daughter-in-law.

 

Martha was a talented and motivated woman who could do just about anything. One of her first jobs was serving as a secretary at Wellington Junior High in Kansas. She later went into business with her sister and opened a craft shop in Lawton. She also opened and operated a restaurant and gift shop in Blanco, Texas, for 10 years.

 

A gifted quilter, Martha created handmade masterpieces. She was also a talented writer and loved gardening and canning. Her generosity was well known; no one left her home without a bag of goodies. She loved to joke and play practical jokes on her friends. Martha loved life and laughter. She was small but mighty, never met a stranger, and always enjoyed a good visit.

 

Martha was the second-born of 12 children, with eight brothers and three sisters. She was strong in her faith, and the most important lesson she taught her children was how to love deeply. Her success in passing on that lesson is evident to everyone who meets her family.

 

Martha is also survived by Gene's children: Mechelle, John, Charlie; 30 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by seven of her siblings; George, Richard, Charles, Roy, Wanda, Bill and Sally.

 

She was preceded in death by four siblings; Ann, Neil, Ernie, and Herschel, and Gene's son Stephen.

 

A graveside service will be held on October 24, at 10:30 a.m. at the Harrison Cemetery in Thayer, Kansas. There will be a potluck meal following the service in the Thayer Park following the service.

 

Arrangements are under the direction of Always Faithful Memorial Services in West Plains, Missouri.