Laura Benson Taylor

LAURA B. TAYLOR IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Laura Mathilda Benson Taylor, 85, of Idaho Falls, died July 10, 2006, at her home from cancer. She was born January 4, 1921, in Moreland, Idaho, to Hans Andrew and Ida Adlinda England Benson. She grew up in Moreland, attending school there and graduating in May, 1939, from Moreland High School as a co-valedictorian of her class. After graduation, she went to work in Pocatello at the Mutual Creamery. During this time her mother became ill and she rode the Greyhound Lines daily between Blackfoot and Pocatello to help care for her. It was at the bus station that she met a handsome young man named Jay Dee Taylor. They were married January 17, 1949, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the Lion House. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple November 26, 1952. After her marriage, she worked for a short time for the Farmers Insurance Group, then in 1955, she and Jay began to work at the Westinghouse Naval Site. They moved to Idaho Falls in February, 1955, to be closer to work. She retired in March, 1981. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she held many positions in the church, but was known for her wonderful teaching and musical abilities through which she touched many lives. Laura was loved by all who knew her. She loved working on genealogy and family histories and was a member of Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, receiving an award for 50 years of continuous membership. She is survived by a brother, Stanton (Marion) Benson of Salt Lake City, UT and many nieces and nephews. She was particularly close to her brother Noel's children, Kirk Benson of Idaho Falls, Laurel Brummond, LeeAnn (Dennis) Parker, both of Blackfoot, and Scott Benson of Moreland, and a nephew, Meredith (Sharon) Taylor. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jay, a son, Craig J. Taylor, a sister, Lonida Randall, and brothers, Ammon, Winston, Melvin, Haskel, Ronald and Noel. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 13, 2006. at the Idaho Falls LDS Grandview Ward, 1450 Mountain View Lane, with Bishop Grand Leavitt officiating. The family will meet with friends Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and Thursday for one hour before services at the church. Contributions may be made to the LDS Church Humanitarian Fund or the Huntsman Cancer Institute, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-5550. Burial will be in the Moreland Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home.