Ralph Marshall Taylor, 79, of Nauvoo, passed away Monday, July 5, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a heroic battle with cancer.

 

Ralph was born in a log cabin near Hesperia, Michigan, May 31, 1942, the son of Louis M. and Norma Jean (Wambaugh) Taylor.  After high school in Whitehall, Michigan, he went on to graduate from Grand Valley State College.  He was a chemist for Hubinger/Roquette for many years retiring in 1997.    On January 28, 1961, he was united in marriage to Rita Schaub in Muskegon, Michigan.  

 

Ralph was an avid hunter and fisherman, especially bow hunting for deer and elk.  He loved to garden and be outside. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hamilton and the Knights of Columbus. He loved wintering in Florida, where he enjoyed bow fishing and playing euchre. He was always determined and believed you could do anything you put your mind to.  His priorities were his family, his faith, and serving his church.

 

Ralph is survived by his wife, Rita, of Nauvoo; children, Gene (Lora) Taylor of Nauvoo, Gwen (Alan) Guedesse of Peoria, Greg Taylor of Fremont, Michigan and Ralph (Aimee’) Taylor of Rock City, Illinois; twelve grandchildren (Kaitlyn, Zach and Tori Taylor; Joshua and Natasha Guedesse; Gregory, Shannon, Jeremy and Jordan Taylor; Nathaniel, Luke and Jacob Taylor); three great grandchildren (Bella Taylor, Clark Taylor, and Isla Nienow), four siblings, Ernie (Marsha) Taylor of Muskegon, Michigan, Leona (Chuck) Carr of Hesperia, Michigan, Nora (Dennis) Danicek of Muskegon and Charlene (Jack) Freeman of Texas; and his beloved cat, Princess.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Rosemary Monroe; two brothers, Louis and Sidney Taylor, granddaughter (Kristen), and a daughter-in-law, Debbie Taylor.

 

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, July 9, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hamilton with burial to follow in the Nauvoo Catholic Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 7:30 P.M. Thursday evening at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton with family meeting friends from 5:00 – 7:30. A Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet, and a time for eulogies will follow visitation at 7:30 at the funeral Home.  A memorial fund has been established.  Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.