Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Rita H. Taylor


Wellsville, NY - Mrs. Rita H. Taylor, 91, died Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at the Wellsville Manor.

Born October 27, 1921, in Bolivar, New York, she was the daughter of Myron H. and Pearl M. Hurd.   A lifelong resident of Wellsville, New York, she graduated from Wellsville High School in 1939. 

A local historian and enthusiast of the Town of Wellsville, she actively researched the Hurd family genealogy and their contributions to the development of the town.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed a myriad of interests in local western New York arts and crafts, including becoming a published authority on Glidden pottery.  She especially loved all kinds of Teddy bears.  As a teen she had worked at Stacy's Ice Cream Parlor and still had her original ice cream scoop some 75 years later. She also worked for her mom and dad at the former Hurd's Market on East State Street. She was a member of the Thelma Rogers G&H Society. 

She married Robert E. Taylor on August 9, 1962, and worked with her husband in his insurance business serving the citizens of Wellsville.  Prior to that, she was married to Elmore Gibson Harkness, MD.  

She is survived by her one son: David B. Harkness and his wife Susan R. Harkness, two granddaughters: Lindsay G. Harkness, and Ashley R. Harkness of Edmond, Oklahoma; and two step-sons: Robert R Taylor and Richard L. Taylor and their respective families.  In addition, she is also survived by two nieces and four nephews.  Preceding her in death is her granddaughter, Heather L. Harkness, husband, Robert E. Taylor, her sisters, Arlene and Della and parents, Myron and Pearl Hurd. 

She had been a lifetime member of the Christian Temple Church of Wellsville. In consideration of her final wishes, she will be cremated and will not have a formal funeral service. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

3 comments:

  1. David and family, so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. I remember her well from growing up on S. Broad Street. Your have our sincere sympathy on her passing.

    Jim and Joyce (Simons) Crittenden

    ReplyDelete
  2. David and family,

    We are so sorry to hear she has passed away. The Taylor family loved her for more than 50 years and we all will miss her very much. She was a wonderful daughter, wife, mom and grandmom.
    ,
    Love,

    Rob, Marion, Robert Taylor; Conesus, NY
    Justin, Meg, Paige, Oliver Taylor; Livonia NY
    Jacqueline, Brian, Andrea Sean Lowry; Antioch, IL

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rita's friends and fellow historical society members offer condolences to you, her family. Rita was highly regarded for her love of history and it was an honor to have known her. She will be missed.
    Sincerely,
    Jane Pinney
    President
    Thelma Rogers Genealogical and Historical Society

    ReplyDelete