Zelma Taylor (Buffalo)'s Obituary
Zelma Lorine (Abel) Taylor, of Springfield, MO passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 100 years, 4 months, and 1 day on April 13, 2023. Lorine was the fifth born (of eleven) to Fred Olin and Loah Claude (McReynolds) Abel on December 12, 1922, in Polk County, Missouri
Raised in Polk County, she graduated from Halfway High School in 1943. That year proved to be a wonderful year as she met the young man that would become her husband, Hershal Leon Taylor. They were married on September 1,1944 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church outside of Bolivar. At that time, he was serving in the U.S. Army and would then leave for the Philippines and Japan. After Hershels military service they moved to Springfield MO to start their family where their two daughters were born. From there they moved to Grandview, MO and then on to Lennox, CA. in 1986, They retired to Greenfield, MO and then in 2001 they moved to Strafford to be close to their daughters.
During their life together they traveled extensively all over the United States and Great Britain and a cruise around the Caribbean, South America and on through the Panama Canal. They loved to travel together and visited many National Parks.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Loah Abel, nine brothers and sisters Carl Abel, Vaden Anderson, Eva Grace, Maxine Adams, Lucille Manes, Paul Abel, Emma Lee Manes, Wesley B. Abel, and Bertha Marie Deragowski, one grandchild and one Great- grandson.
She is survived by their two daughters Roxie Castro of Springfield MO and her two children Tosca and Chuck and Trish Goddard of Afton OK, and her children of heart, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Zona Meadors of Bolivar, Three sisters in law Rosalee Taylor,Springfield, Juanita and Al Woolery of Shawnee Mission, KS, Joan and Kenny Baker of Maricopa, AZ, and two brothers in law Jack Taylor Lees Summit, MO, Gail Don and Charlotte Taylor Tucson, AZ. She is also survived by many loving nephews, nieces, Great- nieces, Cousins, and many other relatives and friends.
Lorine started her life as an independent young lady learning to drive in the fields on the Abel farm. During her long life she made many great friends who appreciate her special love of keeping precise records, sewing, and quilting for the family (and a few friends), embroidery and needlepoint, reading, family history and reunions and served a few years as president of the Higginbotham Family.
Roxie and Trish want to send heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Hospice Compassus of Springfield for the kindness and support during her final months. We especially hold dear the outpouring of love and assistance from friends and family during these most difficult times.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Cantlon-Otterness and Viets Funeral Home. A visitation will be held prior to service beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cantlon-Otterness and Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo, MO.
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