Dorothy Joan Taylor

Dorothy Joan Taylor, 98, passed away in Shawnee, OK on December 22, 2025. Dorothy was born in Kingfisher, OK on November 2, 1927, the eldest of nine children of Joseph and Teresa (Schaefer) Mueggenborg. She was married to Fred E. Taylor in 1947.

She attended Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School, graduated from Kingfisher High School and later attended Labette County Community College in Parsons, KS. After living a few years in Brunswick, MO., she and her husband relocated to Oswego, KS where they raised their 12 children with strength and firmness, instilling faith, family values and a strong sense of responsibility. She was a homemaker for several years while raising her children, doing unending loads of laundry and preparing three meals a day for a household full of children. She always taught her children to help each other and to this day, the Taylor clan is a close-knit family. She was active in the Mother of God Catholic Church and supported the kids’ school activities and 4-H.

After her youngest child was in school, she resumed her working career. She was a long-term employee of the Labette County District Court. After retiring from this position, she was employed as an office clerk at St. John’s Outreach Clinic in Oswego, KS for many years. She received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Labette County Chapter of the American Red Cross and was elected to the Kansas Silver Hair Legislature. In 2000, she moved to Shawnee, OK to be closer to family members. She was active in St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, RCIA, Parish Guild, Bible Study, Choir and funeral dinners. Dorothy was a proud and beloved Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma and Great-Great-Grandma. Dorothy loved to play the organ, make rosaries and crochet. She made afghans for each child when they married and for each grandchild. She was also well-known for her delicious homemade cinnamon rolls.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Vernon, Jim and Henry, and sisters, Marilyn Stangl, Peggy Feuerborn, Jane Smola, and Martha James.

Dorothy is survived by her 12 children. Vicki Milliken of Shawnee, OK., Larry (Karen) Taylor of LaCombe, LA, Edward (Virginia) Taylor of Langley, OK, Steve Taylor of Eucha, OK, Charles (Mary) Taylor of Sapulpa, OK, Melanie McLaughlin of Shawnee, OK, Karen (Bill) Simms of Osceola, MO, Donnie (Kathy) Taylor of Chetopa, KS, Brian (Dawn) Taylor of Folsom, LA, Fred (Patricia) Taylor of Sherwood, AR, Matt (Stephanie) Taylor of Forney, TX, and Cynthia (Charlie) Stites of Vinita, OK, 29 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren with another expected in 2026, 5 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her youngest sister, Pat (Mike) Crone of Whitesboro, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held under the direction of Walker Funeral & Cremation Service. A Wake and Rosary Service will be held Friday, Jan. 2nd, 7:00 pm at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Jan. 3rd, 9:30 am at St. Benedict Catholic Church, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dorothy’s name to Project Gabriel, 613 W. Benedict, Shawnee, OK 74801.