Carol Louise Taylor's Obituary
Carol Louise (Sandmann) (Cross) Taylor, age 94, entered her eternal rest in heaven on March 10, 2018 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 16, 1923 in New Ulm, Minnesota to Adolph and Mabel Sandmann. Carol was raised in New Ulm, MN and was married to Byron Cross in Chicago in 1944. After moving to Michigan, Carol worked alongside Byron for years at Cross' IGA Store and Cross' Meat Processing and slaughter house in Six Lakes. After Byron's vocational change, Carol worked as a secretary at CMU in Mt Pleasant and later at West Ottawa High School in Holland, retiring in 1984 after Byron's death in 1983. In 1984, Carol moved to Lakeview and participated in many activities, bowling, cards, choir, piano, church activities, and square dancing where she met her second husband in 1990. Carol married William Taylor in 1991. They enjoyed many good years together on Brooks Lake in Newago until Bill's death in 2000 when Carol moved back to Lakeview. She enjoyed a wide circle of friends in Lakeview, and especially valued her weekly gatherings for bridge, reading, and her workouts at the Wellness Center. She was a faithful member of the Lakeview United Church of Christ, singing in the choir up until just a few weeks before her passing.
Carol was a friend to many and a great gift to her family, whom she loved dearly. Her favorite times were spent at family gatherings. Among the many things her children learned from her were a love of music, the importance of faith, unconditional love, being a cheerful giver, acceptance of what life brings your way, and soldiering on no matter what. Her example is a part of her legacy that will go on for generations to come.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents and all 7 siblings, husbands Byron and William, and step-daughter Sandra Walker. She is survived by her children Jeanie (Tom) Kain of Howard City, Judy Maxim of Lakeview, Jim (Gail) Cross of Midland, and Jacque (Joe) Cross-Hancock of Honeoye Falls, NY, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Carol donated her body to Michigan State University Willed Body Program and their College of Human and Osteopathic Medicine, Division of Human Anatomy.
A memorial service celebrating Carol's life is scheduled for June 23, 2018 at 11:00AM at the Lakeview United Church of Christ (corner of S. Lincoln Ave and 5th Street), with visitation an hour before the service. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service.
The family would like to thank Spectrum Health Care Choices and Spectrum Health Hospice and Palliative Care Services for their care and support of Carol and the family. We would also like to thank Kim, Carol, Anne, and Laura for their help and care of Carol.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcomed to the Lakeview United Christ of Christ, Salvation Army (Alma, MI), The Kelsey Wellness Center (Lakeview, MI), or the Tamarack District Library (Lakeview, MI).
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