Michele Y. Taylor

Michele Yvonne Taylor A memorial celebration for local educator Michele Y. Taylor will be held at 1:00 PM Sunday, December 17th, at Cortez Middle School Gymnasium. Michele was born August 28, 1952 in Independence, Kansas to the late Don E. and Genevieve M. Taylor. She passed away Thursday, December 14th at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango after a short battle with cancer. Cremation has taken place. Michele was raised in Topeka, Kansas and graduated from Topeka West High School in 1970. She attended Kansas StateUniversity where she graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She received her Masters of Arts in Secondary Education from Adams State College in 1985 and pursued related course work in Archaeology and Anthropology, Southwest Archaeology and Ute Mountain Culture. Ms. Taylor is survived by her brothers Don Eric Taylor, Jr., Topeka, KS, Brian W. Taylor, Olathe, KS, Keith S. Taylor, of Washington, LA. and former husband Peter Dericks of Cortez. Also surviving are her nephew Brogan Taylor, Jacksonville, FL; nieces Brandy Allison, Lincoln, NE and Brianne Taylor, Olathe, KS. Michele enjoyed teaching and interacting with her students and fellow teachers. Most summers were spent as a Park Ranger and Guide at Mesa Verde National Park. She was also fond of horseback riding, skiing, hiking, gardening, creative cooking and enjoying friends. The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be sent to the Michele Yvonne Taylor Scholarship in Education Fund at Citizens State Bank of Cortez, 77 West Main, Cortez, CO 81321.