Florence “Fodie” Taylor, 84, of Ontario passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, at the Gundersen St. Joseph Hospital in Hillsboro, Wis.
Fodie was born Dec. 11, 1936, near Johnny Cake or Billings Creek in rural Ontario, Wis., to Bill and Vera (Lamb) Worthington.
Fodie married her best friend, Mervin Taylor, on Sept. 28, 1957. Together they farmed in Lamb Valley, where they began to raise their family for the next 20 years. In the late 1970s, she and Mervin purchased a farm on South Ridge. The dairy farm was in operation until their retirement from milking cows in 1997. They continued to make this their home to this day. Fodie loved their farm. While they farmed together, Fodie worked at the Brookwood High School as the school librarian.
Fodie loved to dance in her younger years. She reminisced about dancing at “Danceland” near Cashton before she was old enough to be there. She adored her sisters and cherished her adventure on her first airplane ride a few years ago. She also enjoyed the Florida sun and being with Rosalie and Donna.
Fodie was happiest when her family was all home to see her during the holidays and everyone was sitting around the kitchen table. She could effortlessly create enormous meals for everyone to enjoy. She was an incredible cook who loved to watch everyone eat. Fodie’s donuts and pickles were unforgettable. There was no end to her generosity, and she was willing to help anyone who needed it. But Fodie’s love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was endless. She would always meet them with a hug and a “how are you?” and a fresh batch of the best chocolate chip bars.
Fodie accepted Christ as her savior on March 19, 1981. 1 Corinthians 15:3 — “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.” She and Mervin were faithful members of the Ontario Gospel Hall, where they made so many special friends.
Fodie is survived by her husband of nearly 64 years, Mervin; three sons, Kurt (Heather), Stacy (Angie) and Steven (Kyle); her grandchildren, Lance, Logan, Kole, Jesse, and Travis Taylor, Tiffanie Reimer, Kianna Castleman, and Kain Castleman; her great-grandchildren, Luka, Jesara and Jacey Taylor; two sisters, Donna (Claire) Muehlenkamp and Rosalie (Jack) Chesmore; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
Fodie was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Hatty (Roy) Smith, Rex (Nell) Worthington, Jeanette (Al) Bartz, Leona (Robert) White, Golda (Robert) Cibulka, Margie (Stacy) Dobbs, and John (Betty) Worthington.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, at the Gospel Hall in Ontario. Speaker Ron Doll will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 4–7 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario. Visitation also will also be Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements.
