Bertie Lou (Donoho) Taylor

Bertie Lou Taylor, age 88, passed this earthly life and entered heaven at 11:12 P.M. on Tuesday, May 16, 2017. She passed away at her home in Centralia, Illinois. Bertie was born on September 20, 1928 in Salem, Illinois, the daughter of the late Rufus K. and Julia Belle (Meador) Donoho. She married Raymond D. Taylor on June 27, 1948 in Salem, Illinois and he preceded her in death on September 11, 1994.

She was a very proud mother to Larry B. Taylor and wife Linda, Michael L. Taylor and wife Debbie; both of Centralia, Illinois; Janet E. Kesterson of Vandalia, Illinois; and Drake Kevin Taylor and wife Sonny of Salem, Illinois. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Julianna Clarner and husband Gary; Justin Taylor and wife Riann; Jordan Taylor and friend, Tracy Golden; Amber Lenger and husband Matt; Andrea Barnfield and husband Chris; Adam Taylor and wife Katie; Kristy Fox and fiance' Kirk Gange; Kari Kesterson and fiance' Tyler Brown; Keeley Kesterson; Candice Ingram Byrd and Charles Cameron Ingram. Her 13 surviving great-grandchildren include: Henry and Lily Clarner; Sophia and Miles Taylor; Rachel and Hannah Lenger; Lane, Ellie, and Abby Barnfield; Zoey Byrd; Dominque Fox; Emma Brown; and Charlotte Kesterson.

Bertie believed her biggest blessings were her children and all of her grandchildren. She lived out her faith in the hope that her children's and grandchildren's faith would be strengthened.

She is also survived by her beloved brothers: Ronald K. Donoho and wife Dorothy and Steve D. Donoho; both of Centralia, Illinois; sister; Norma Lee Vaughn and husband James of Salem, Illinois; many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins; and lifelong friend; Delane Richardson of Centralia, Illinois.

In addition to her parents, Bertie was preceded in death by her infant son; Randall Taylor and beloved brother; Olan Donoho.

She grew up in Salem, Illinois, attending the Salem Nazarene Church as a child. She graduated from Salem Community High School. She retired from St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia, Illinois after 25 years of service as a surgical floor ward clerk. After moving to Centralia as a young woman, she became a member of the Centralia Free Methodist Church. She was a very active member there for over 63 years. She worked with the children, women's missionary group, adult Sunday school class, Bible studies, and planned many church dinners. She loved to decorate and plan for dinners and parties at church and for her family and friends. She knew how to make people feel special. Bertie was rarely seen without her camera in her hand. Her hobby was taking pictures of her family, friends and church family on every occasion you could imagine and sharing them with everyone. Her ministry after retirement became writing letters to friends, shut-ins, family and church family.

Bertie spent her last years in her own home, continuing to instruct her children and grandchildren on many things, including living for God. She faced many difficulties throughout life, but always managed to plow through, thanks to her stubborn determination she inherited from her father and God. She was wildly successful in many areas of life. She will be missed by many. According to her family, “To say that she was unique would be a vast understatement.”

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Monday, May 22, 2017 at the Centralia Free Methodist Church in Centralia, Illinois with Chaplain Sumner Morrison officiating. Interment will follow in East Lawn Cemetery in Salem, Illinois. Friends are invited to visit with Bertie's family from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at 12:00 P.M. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Bertie's memory to the Centralia Free Methodist Church and will be received by the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois. Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Bertie's family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the funeral home's Facebook page.

 Service Information