Friday, April 19, 2024
Anna Arizona Taylor of Surprise, Arizona died October 12, 2017 at Royal Oak Group Home, Surprise, Arizona.
She was born in Kingman, Arizona, November 24, 1919, to Frank Lee and Anna Laura (Sawyer) Russell. The youngest of six, Anna was raised by her aunt and uncle, Fannie (Sawyer) and Finley Phillips. She was home schooled until the 4th grade in Goffs, California. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Lincoln Heights, California, Class of 1937. In 1938, Anna graduated from Frank Wiggins Trade School as a cosmetologist.
Anna met the love of her life, Edward R. Taylor, at a Sunday school Halloween party in 1933. They were married at the Workman Street Church of Christ, Los Angeles, June 21, 1936.
Ed and Anna lived their entire married life in Los Angeles County. Anna lost her sweetie May of 1982. Anna owned a beauty shop in La Crescenta, California from 1952 to 1957.
She started working for Pacific Telephone Company; first as a telephone operator, and retired 1982 as a Unit Supervisor in the Directory Department.
In her spare time, she enjoyed quilting, auto racing, reading, church, puzzles and mostly spending time with family and friends. She was a Girl Scout leader for 11 years. Anna was Past Matron of Honor for the Order of Eastern Star in both Highland Park and Steamboat Springs.
Anna is survived by her two daughters; Wahneeta Faye Ramirez (Gilbert), Mukilteo, Washington and Raeanna Marie Ellis, Surprise, Arizona along with grandchildren: Gil Ramirez, Jr., (Julie), Steamboat Springs, Colorado; Diane Weaver (Scott), Mukilteo, Washington; Tevis Van Treese (Jon), Peoria, Arizona; James Ellis, Maramis, Greece. Seven great-grandchildren: Hannah and Christian Ramirez, Steamboat Springs; Abby, Annie and Cami Weaver, Mukilteo, Washington; Taylor and Drew Van Treese, Peoria and one great-great granddaughter, Gracie Ann Ramirez, Steamboat Springs. Also numerous nieces and nephews along with her loving and professional caregivers at Royal Oak, Florin and Gabriela Micu, Oksana Ballard and Nina Kozloza.
Her parents, her aunt and uncle, her husband Ed, five siblings Ruth, George, Walter, Fred and Alwin, preceded her in death.
A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Oct. 20, 2017 and a Life Celebration will be at Anna’s home, 15424 W Celestial Ct., Surprise, January 2018.
To remember Anna please love one another and do a random act of kindness.
