Obituary of Dody Taylor

Doris Elaine “Dody” Taylor passed away peacefully from natural causes on November 18, 2021, at the age of 90. She was born in Olympia, Washington, on January 23, 1931, to Alfred and Bertha (Pugh) McClelland. She grew up in Olympia, graduating from Olympia High School in 1950.  Following high school, Dody pursued her love and talent for art by attending Portland Art School.  Her gift of artistic abilities stayed with her throughout her life.  She painted murals on walls for friends and for her church’s Sunday school room, and pictures for gifts and her home.  Her incredible eye for design, texture, and color also helped Dody create beautiful homes and gardens!  They could have been pictured in magazines!

In 1955, Dody married the love of her life (her words), Robert L. Haynes.  She had three daughters with Bob: Kari, Dyane “Dyne” and Julie.  Unfortunately, Bob struggled with mental illness, which ultimately ended their marriage.  Dody married two other times, to Bill Artz and Monroe “Jack” Taylor.  Her last marriage to Jack Taylor, took her away from Olympia to Salem, Oregon.  She returned to Olympia after Jack passed away to be closer to her daughters, who all lived in the local area, as well as many of her longtime friends.

Dody worked as a playground supervisor at Pioneer Elementary School for several years. Then, out of necessity, put herself through school at Puget Sound Community College to become a Dental Assistant while raising her three daughters as a single mom.  One thing Dody had was grit.  She was a strong woman and would do anything for her family and her three girls.  Strength through adversity and smiling even in the dark times were characteristics of Dody, among many others.

Speaking of Dody’s characteristics, she will be remembered most for her joyful personality, her quick smile, and laughter.  No matter the occasion, Dody contributed her warm, loving and joyful spirit.  This is what she will leave with all of us. We will see her smile and hear her laughter.  What a great way to be remembered, for the joy you have brought to others.

Dody is preceded in death by her parents; her three husbands; her sister, Valeda Jean Vandermaas; and her first born daughter, Kari.

Dody is survived by her daughters, Dyane “Dyne” Haynes (son-in-law, Myron Apilado); Julie Alexy (son-in-law, Michael); her son-in-law, Steven Hall (Kari’s husband); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren through marriage.

Special gratitude to the gentle, skilled, and loving people at Trusted Care Adult Family Home, Lakewood, Washington, who took care of Dody in her last year of life.

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