Belita Elenore (Stokes) Taylor, age 89 of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin passed away on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at the Great River Care Center at McGregor, Iowa. Belita was born on February 13, 1929 at LaCrosse, Wisconsin. She is the daughter of Ruth (Judevine) and Robert E. Stokes.
Belita went to many schools growing up as her father was in the army. She graduated from Wisconsin Dells High School. Belita married Earl Ray Taylor at West Prairie at the parsonage near Viroqua, Wisconsin on October 2, 1948. Belita and Earl Taylor moved to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, December 1948, as newlyweds and made Prairie du Chien their permanent home.
Belita worked at Kinniry Office Equipment. Belita enjoyed the many activities while being a volunteer. She enjoyed being a member of the Memorial Hospital/Crossing Rivers Health Partners. Her favorite activities were making hats for the newborn babies. She also loved being Mrs. Pockets as she handed out many treats. She also loved to knit sweaters, hats, and many afghans. Belita loved her church. She was a Sunday School teacher, past president of the women’s church group, sang in the choir, circle and prayer group, and made quilts.
Belita enjoyed being active in the community. She loved to participate in the many activities of the Prairie du Chien school district. She was a dedicated Prairie du Chien Blackhawk fan. She enjoyed helping with the school fairs, all athletic activities, concerts that her children and grandchildren were in and enjoyed going to plays. Belita was inducted into the Prairie du Chien High School Hall of Fame in 2017.
Belita is survived by her two daughters, Lea Martin and Ruth Taylor of Prairie du Chien. The Martin grandchildren are Aaron (Bonnie), Matthew (Nicole), and Cory (Debbie), and Josh Taylor. The Martin great-grandchildren are: Brett, Sean, Grant, Hope, Austin, Brandon, and Emma.
Belita was preceded in death: by her parents, her husband Earl Taylor (2000), son Steven Taylor (2007), daughter-in-law, Lillian Taylor; and son-in-law, Craig Martin (2012); Belita’s infant brother, Frederick Stokes; twin brothers, Ray and Roy Stokes, and sister, Olive (Stokes) Lynch.
A Celebration of Belita’s life will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church at 201 South Michigan Street at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin with Pastor Joe Irvin officiating. Friends may stop by from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin is helping the family with the arrangements.