Tanya Lynn (Waddell) Kaylor

As her loved ones can attest, Tanya Kaylor understood the secret to a life well lived.  She was a source of quiet strength even in the most difficult of times.  A proud wife and mother, Tanya loved watching her family tree grow to include many grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was well known for her solid work ethic and for the firm foundation of love and kindness on which she built her life.  She was always willing to go above and beyond for those she deeply loved. Tanya will be forever missed by all who know and loved her.

Tanya Lynn Waddell was born in Medford, Oregon on June 15, 1936, a child of the Great Depression.  Although a trying time in history, there was much to celebrate as Tanya brought much joy to her parents, Emma and Perry Waddell.

Growing up Tanya enjoyed taking care of her younger siblings, Gary Waddell and Bette Thompson.  Tanya attended and graduated from Auburn Washington High School and then attended college in Walla Walla, Washington.  Not long after college, Tanya met the love of her life, Neil Kaylor.  After a whirlwind romance, they were married on June 7, 1955, a day after he was honorably discharged from the Army.

The couple moved to Cheshire Township in Allegan, Michigan.  Neil was a farmer and continued to work on the family farm while Tanya was a homemaker for the first several years of their marriage.

The Legacy that Tany leaves are the little things, a marriage of 68 years, walking hand in hand with her man, and dancing in the kitchen while making dinner.  Always loving and affectionate.

Tanya worked at JCPenney and Sears in her early career.  She later went on to work for over 30 years at Flashes Publishers in Allegan.

The day after Tanya retired, Neil and Tanya hit the road in their motorhome and traveled extensively.  First to Florida, then to Texas, on to Arizona and all points in between.  Life was always about the journey, never the destination.

Tanya died peacefully at the Wings of Hope Hospice Home on September 11, 2023.  Tanya was preceded in death by her parents, Emma and Leonard Keck and Perry Waddell, and sister-in-law, Kathy Waddell.

Surviving is her husband, Neil Kaylor; her children, Krista Rapa-Lichey (David), Randy Kaylor (Tammie), Kim Cronk (John), Brenda Ellis (Sam), and Kevin Kaylor (Donna).  Also surviving are her brother, Gary Waddell; and sister, Bette Thompson (David); as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Tanya’s memorial service will be held Friday, September 15, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Horseshoe Community Bible Church, 4950 104th Avenue, Grand Junction, Michigan 49056.  The church will be open by 9:00 AM to receive flowers.  Memorial donations may be made in Tanya’s name to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn Street, Allegan, Michigan 49010.  A graveside service will be held at a later time.

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