Stella Taylor

Stella Taylor, 67, of Liberal, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, Kansas. 

Stella was born on February 6, 1957 to Thomas and Elise (Korb) Murphy in Salisbury, Rhodesia. She spent her childhood doing ballet, swimming, and trying to outdo her older brothers, Aubrey and Lionel every chance she got. Stella loved the water in any capacity. Stella had a particular love for the beach, which developed from treasured childhood trips to Beira, Mozambique.

Stella grew up and attended Queen Elizabeth Girls School in Salisbury, Rhodesia. Upon completion of school, she went on a backpacking trip from Mozambique to South Africa before beginning nursing training. Stella completed her training and served as a nurse during the Rhodesian Guerilla War. 

Stella immigrated to the United States in 1977. A short time later, she met the love of her life, Rick Taylor. They were united in marriage on February 6, 1981 in Liberal, KS where they made their home and raised their family. After her children had all graduated from high school, Stella chose to go back to the nursing profession. Stella completed her RN through Seward County Community College and served as a nurse in many capacities until her retirement in 2020.

Stella’s love of the ocean continued into her retirement, and she missed no opportunities to visit the beach whenever she could. Her other hobbies included gardening, sewing, crocheting, swimming, and scuba diving. She coached the Southwest Aquatics Swim Team for a number of years.

Stella was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and loved spending time with her family. Through the years, she could be found spoiling her grandchildren, chasing them around the garden, and cheering them on from the stands, through a vast array of sports and activities. Stella was widely regarded as the best Damaw in the whole wide world, and her cookie jar was never empty. 

Stella would like to apologize to anybody whom she offended with her periodic road rage. 

Stella is survived by her loving husband Rick, two sons, Chad Taylor and wife Kathryn of Liberal, KS, Nathaniel Taylor of Liberal, KS; two daughters, Tanya Bradley and husband Herb of Holcomb, KS, Brittany Macias and husband Joseph of Guymon, OK; seven grandchildren, Colby Casaus and wife Celeste, Zachery Bradley, Ashlynn Bradley, Jaysen Macias, Briggin Macias, Myles Taylor, and Mason Taylor; two brothers, Lionel Murphy and wife Kathleen of Sebastopol, CA, and Wayne Blumberg of Ft Collins, CO. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Aubrey Murphy.

There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024 at 10:00 AM. The service will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Liberal, KS. 

The family suggests Memorials to St Jude Children's Hospital in care of Miller Mortuary PO Box 826 Liberal, KS 67901.