MARILY ELLEN TAYLOR

Marilyn Taylor August 22, 1940 – October 3, 2025

Marilyn Taylor passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025. She was born on August 22, 1940, in Baker, Oregon, to Robert and Esther Van Blokland Olsen. Marilyn was raised on the family ranch near North Powder, Oregon, alongside her brother, Robert Olsen.

She graduated from Powder Valley High School in 1957, Marilyn also served as a Union County Fair princess that same year. During the Union County parade, she met her future husband, L. Dean Taylor, who was driving the car she rode in. The two were married on August 24, 1958, in La Grande, Oregon, and shortly after, moved to Walla Walla in October of 1958.

In Walla Walla, Marilyn began working as a dental assistant for Dr. Mansfield before joining JCPenney, where she worked for 30 years until her retirement in 2005. During her career, she formed many cherished friendships. A talented seamstress, Marilyn lovingly created countless outfits and blankets for her family through the years.

In 1981, Marilyn and Dean began a new chapter as small business owners. They purchased Eastgate Mobile Service, later renaming it Taylor’s Service Center and U-Haul Rentals. Eventually, they moved the U-Haul business to a new location on Isaacs Avenue, which many will remember for its iconic log cabin office. Marilyn was a vital part of the business — managing bookkeeping, making reservations, and even helping move U-Haul trucks when needed.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dean Taylor; her parents, Robert and Esther Olsen; brothers-in-law Darrell (Patricia) Taylor, Norm (Mary) Taylor, Mick (Virginia) Taylor, Lyle (Ardell) Taylor and sister-in-law LaVelle (Rudy) Fazzari; nephews Mitch Olsen, Mark Olsen, and Rick Taylor; and niece Susan Taylor Proctor.

She is survived by her children, Randy (Kathy) Taylor of Prosser, WA, and Teresa (Tom) Shea of Spokane, WA; her grandchildren, Lindsey (Justin) Andrews, Matthew (Danyelle) Taylor of Prosser, and Taylor (Breanna) Shea of Post Falls, ID; and her great-grandchildren, Addison, Sadie, and Taylor Andrews, as well as Korina, Kaiden, and Kaisen Shea. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Gail Olsen of Bend, Oregon, along with extended family and many friends. A service will be held at a later date.