Helen Virginia Rankin Taylor

On Saturday, October 6, 2007, Helen passed peacefully at home in her sleep after 75 wonderful years. She was born on March 14, 1932 in Frederick, Maryland to the parents of Roy F. Rankin and Lavinia S. Stoner, who passed shortly after Helen's birth. She was raised by her Uncle, H. Ford Shipley and Aunt, Pearl V. Rankin, whom she considered her parents.

She married the late Allen Malcolm Kirkpatrick on August 20, 1955. This union resulted in three beloved children: John Allen Kirkpatrick II (deceased), Scott Rankin Kirkpatrick and Lori Lynn Kirkpatrick Secrist. She remarried on November 2, 1963 to Albert Jay Taylor. Their marriage was solemnized on April 9, 1968 in the Logan LDS Temple.

Helen was the classiest of ladies that never spoke unkindly of anyone and always saw the best in everyone. She was known for continually lending a hand to others. Her goal in life was to make sure her family and those around her were constantly happy. She had an infectious positive personality and outlook on life. She always wore a smile, despite the many obstacles and challenges she faced in life.

Helen graduated as Valedictorian from Berkley Springs High School in West Virginia. She then furthered her education receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from West Virginia University, as well as a Masters Degree in Marketing from the University of Pittsburgh. She was a rambunctious Delta Gamma Sorority girl. Helen was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Her successful career path started as a College Teacher in Baltimore, Maryland, teaching Shorthand and English. She worked as a Secretary at Triumph Motorcycles, Weber State University, and retired from USU Extension Services after 16 years.

She was an exceptional pianist and organist in which she shared her talents as the Relief Society and Sacrament Meeting organist. Her lifetime dedication to the Lord lead her to numerous callings in which she gratefully accepted. Helen and Jay served a two-year, LDS Mission to Cabanatuan, Philippines, where she was responsible for the mission finances. Upon returning she served as the Primary President, Nursing Home Relief Society Presidency and most recently served at the Ogden LDS Temple.

Helen loved collecting music boxes and beautiful crystal that she displayed in her front room hutch. Knitting, crocheting, and of course a good book were a few of her many hobbies. She had a very artistic hand and creative mind. Helen was an avid volunteer in the community. She was the President of the Brigham City Lions Club, a volunteer at the Historic Train Depot, and active in the Scouting Program. She established numerous fundraiser events including "Picture Your Pet with Santa" for the Humane Society and Auntie's Apricot Jam for the Meals on Wheels program at the Senior Center.

Helen was an amazing grandmother who only showed kindness and patience to her energetic grandchildren. She played a major role in their upbringing, as they were the sparkle in her eye. For 17 years she was a 4-H leader teaching everything from "A"pple bobbing to "Z"ebra breeding! She volunteered yearly judging county and state fairs. Because of her dedication to both her grandchildren and the 4-H Program Helen and Jay received the Leaders of the Year in 1993 and 4-H Family of the Year award in 2000.

She was President of the local Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and a member of the Red Hat Ladies Society. She truly loved a competitive game of Pinochle with her beloved husband and eternal friends. (Of course the ladies always came out on top!) Her knowledge and love of history encouraged her extensive travel to the many locations that caught her curiosity.

Helen was preceded in death by both sets of parents, first husband, and eldest son.

She leaves behind her loving family, Husband; Albert Jay Taylor, Son; Scott Kirkpatrick (Lydia), Daughter; Lori Secrist (Don), Grandchildren; Donielle Brook Secrist-Joyce (Paul), Britt Secrist Simcox (Brian), Tyne Secrist, Megan Secrist, Amanda Sue Kirkpatrick, John Allen Kirkpatrick III; as well as many family members that live at a distance yet were always close at heart.

All of these accomplishments... ..yet always so modest, that was Helen!
Helen will be forever missed and cherished always.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 12, 2007, 11:00 a.m. LDS 9th Ward Chapel, 236 E. 100 S., Brigham City. Friends may call on Thursday 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 205 S. 100 E., Brigham City and at the church Friday from 10:00 to 10:40 a.m. with graveside services at the Brigham City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in name of Helen Virginia Rankin Taylor to the Huntsman Cancer Institute which will go towards an engraved "Hope Brick" to honor her.

Donation Information:
a Phone: 801-584-5800
a Internet: http://www.huntsmancancerfoundation.org/donate.php
(Scroll down and click on Memorial/Honoraria)
a Mail: http://www.huntsmancancerfoundation.org/pdfs/HCF_Form_Final.pdf
Huntsman Cancer Foundation; 500 Huntsman Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
VisitationMyers Mortuary - Brigham City
205 South 100 East
Brigham City, UT 84302
October 11, 2007
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
ServiceBrigham City 9th Ward Chapel
236 East 100 South
Brigham City, UT 84302
October 12, 2007
11:00 AM
CemeteryBrigham City Cemetery
325 South 300 East
Brigham City, Utah 84302
October 12, 2007