Marlene Frances Taylor

Marlene Francis Husted Taylor, 87, of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 8:45 a.m.—just in time for the 9 o’clock service in Heaven. Those who knew Marlene believe she may have petitioned God Himself to make sure she wouldn’t be late.

Marlene was born July 6, 1938, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She attended Southeast High School, where she made the honor roll and was elected Band Queen. She began dating Don Taylor at the age of 15, and the two married on December 27, 1955, sharing 65 years of love, laughter, and faith until Don’s passing in 2021.

Marlene attended nursing school and dedicated her career to caring for others until her retirement. From 1998 to 2001, she and Don built their dream retirement home in Pagosa Springs, where they quickly found a beloved church family at Pagosa Bible Church. Marlene was deeply involved in small groups, prayer circles, and Bible studies. She was a prayer warrior, a woman of extraordinary generosity, and someone who used her gift of hospitality to make everyone feel seen, loved, and fed—often literally. Her famous cinnamon rolls were legendary among friends and family, and she baked them right up until the end.

She was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Natalie Taylor, daughter Julie Long, and husband Don Taylor.

Marlene is survived by her sons Don Taylor, Jr. (Jan) and Robert Taylor (Jaz); grandchildren Aubrey Edwards (Luke), Christian Taylor (Ashley), Nick Long (Randi), Bryan Long (Meagan), Leilanee Taylor, and Giovanni Taylor; grandchildren-in-love Evan Meacham (Leah) and Lucas Meacham; and great-grandchildren Avery Sloan, Easton Sloan, Jett Sloan, Knox Taylor, Austen Taylor, and Brooklyn Taylor. She also leaves behind countless other family members and friends who were blessed by her love and faith.

Marlene lived out Ephesians 3:16–19 and Romans 8:38–39, resting in the deep assurance that nothing could separate her from the love of Christ.

A service celebrating Marlene’s life will be held at Pagosa Bible Church on Saturday, November 8. Doors will open at 1 p.m. with the service beginning at 2 p.m., followed by a procession to the graveside. The service may also be streamed via the Pages Bible Church’s website for those unable to attend in person.