Delores Taylor

Surrounded by loving family and friends, Delores Mae (Baysinger) Taylor went peacefully to her heavenly home to be with Jesus on Monday, February 25, 2019, at Accura Healthcare of Knoxville, Iowa, under the care of EveryStep Hospice. She was born to Issac Henry and Elsie Edith (Knight) Baysinger on October 12, 1935, in Des Moines, Iowa.  

After the end of her two marriages, Delores raised her children as a single parent in Oskaloosa, Iowa, and remained living there for a number of years. Later in life, she relocated to Pella, Iowa, where she resided for over twenty years. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2011, Delores became a resident of Griffin Nursing and Rehab Center in Knoxville, Iowa, now known as Accura Healthcare. 

Raising her children, Delores learned to be thrifty. She was often described as being able to squeeze the buffalo from a nickel. She made the most of whatever she had and took pride in always having a nest egg tucked away for emergencies. Delores loved her children and did her best to care for them. Even when money was tight, Delores always made sure her children had food on the table, a birthday cake, and Christmas presents under the tree. There were always expressions of love and plenty of hugs to go around.  

Although Delores encountered many struggles throughout her life, listening and dancing to country music was a way she found pleasure. Some of her favorite singers include Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, and Elvis Presley. She also enjoyed gospel music including “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Jesus Loves Me.” Delores enjoyed writing songs and even had one recorded, but it was never released. Her children have fond memories of listening to music with their mom, watching their favorite sitcoms, playing board games and cards together.  

Delores enjoyed walking which was good because she never learned to drive a car. She also enjoyed reading. Delores had great interest in books and articles on the Titanic. She collected Looney Tunes memorabilia as well as post cards, key chains and ink pens from places where family traveled. She had a passion for Victorian houses. During the time Delores lived at Prairie Village in Pella, she delighted in watching the restoration of a home up the street. Delores had a great appreciation for beautiful flowers and wildlife.  

What Delores loved most was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Whether it was family gatherings or long telephone calls with her loved ones, Delores delighted in those special moments.  She had a great fondness for animals. Especially dear to her was her dog Sissy. She was known for having strong beliefs and a loving heart. Many of Delores’s caregivers described her as a sweet lady.   

Delores is survived by her children Linda Miller of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Rick (Bonnie) Peek of Centerville, Iowa, Debra (Thomas) Darner of New Port Richey, Florida, Karen (Richard) Ridlen of Pella, Iowa, along with one half-sister, Doris (Baysinger) Samouris of Allen, Texas, as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  

Preceding her in death are her parents, her son Lester Taylor, daughter Brenda Beck, grandson Corey Taylor, her brother William Baysinger, half-sisters Zoe Myers, Elenore Baysinger, Enid Baer, Betty Allen and Ivadell Corpier along with her half-brothers Loren Baysinger, Donald Baysinger, Charles Clark and Harold Martin. 

Loved ones will remember Delores as being a strong, compassionate woman with a loving heart and a beautiful smile. Despite her battle with Alzheimer’s, she regularly expressed love to her family and caretakers by saying, “I love you baby girl.” Regardless of the pain she endured both physically and emotionally, her love came through.  

As per her wishes, Delores has been cremated. There will be a private Celebration of Life with close family and friends. No memorial has been designated. However, if you’d like to remember Delores in a special way, please give a memorial to EveryStep Hospice of Knoxville, Iowa, or to an animal rescue of your choice. 

A special thanks to Accura Healthcare of Knoxville for the care given to Delores as well as EveryStep Hospice who kept her comfortable during her final days. Your care and kindness, was greatly appreciated.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.