Beth Taylor

Anna Beth Larson Taylor passed away peacefully on January 5th, 2020 surrounded by her family and friends. The oldest of five children, Beth was born to Carl Victor Larson and Anna Marie Dittmer Larson in Ferron, Utah on August 15, 1927. She grew up in a loving, rural home surrounded by the goodness of a small, close-knit community.

From an early age, Beth immersed herself in music, learning to play the piano and singing in many groups. She and her girlfriends, who referred to themselves as “The Hags,” stayed in touch until just recently. Beth was a cheerleader in high school, which may have contributed to her ardent love of sports. She avidly, or, maybe even rabidly, cheered for every BYU sports team. She watched her last game two weeks ago from her hospital bed.

Beth attended Snow College, pursuing a degree in English and participating in as many musical opportunities as possible. She actually played two different roles in one opera, alternating roles on different nights. While attending college, she was elected as the Founders Day Queen. Significantly, Zane Taylor was elected as the Founders Day King. An eternal romance began. Beth and Zane were married May 26, 1947 in the Manti Temple.

Beth’s life joyfully revolved around her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Attending concerts, football games, little league games, volleyball games, and plays kept her very busy.

Beth contributed to the musical education of many people. She taught piano lessons for years, and organized countless singing groups for church meetings, school assemblies, stake fund raisers, and civic events.

Beth loved learning. She returned for a second round of college after most of her children had graduated and studied Home Economics. A consummate homemaker, it wasn’t lost on those that knew her that she could have been an instructor in that particular field.

One of her favorite callings was teaching Cultural Refinement in Relief Society.  Her extensive research into the different cultures around the world gave her a love for people and countries everywhere.  She loved to travel and was able to visit many countries of the world and especially enjoyed making friends all over the world.

Beth lived a life of service.  She served as ward and stake Relief Society President, Primary President, Choir director,  Primary teacher, Primary chorister, Primary accompanist, Achievement day leader and perhaps the most surprising was her call to work with the Cub Scouts when she was 75 years old.  She was a spunky gal. At 92, she was serving as the primary pianist.

Beth raised her children on home made bread.  Her children were not the only lucky recipients.  Beth took bread to everyone that moved into her ward.  Each loaf was delivered with a hug and a smile.  She also made little jammies for all of the new babies born in her ward.

She is survived by her eternal sweetheart, Zane Stevens Taylor, and by six of her seven children—Steven Zane (Barbara), Jan Marie Stanfill (Steve), Rogan LaVor (Lynda), Ernie Carl (Valeria), Marilyn Morgan (David) and Val Tom (Andrea), as well as 3 brothers and a sister—Jay, Arden, Neil, and Carol Larson. She has left behind a prodigious posterity—31 grandchildren and 61 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anna Marie Dittmer and Carl Victor Larson, and a daughter, Annalee Stonehocker (Nelson).

Beth was a true disciple of Jesus Christ—a loving mother, a good and generous neighbor and friend, and a faithful companion to Zane for 72 years.  Her Church family was also blessed immensely by her service over the course of many years.

Friends and family may call from 6:30~8:30 pm Friday, January 10th at the Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Home at 495 South State Street, Orem, UT, as well as 9:30~10:30 am Saturday January 11th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 80 S. 280 E. in Orem. Services will follow at 11:00 AM.