Mary Taylor celebrates 96th birthday

Ozark County resident Mary Wanda Taylor recently celebrated her 96th birthday. 

She was born Jan. 18, 1928, to parents Thomas Henry and Mary Wanda Aker. She was married for 71 years to Marshall Taylor, their wedding being held in 1946. 

She homesteaded in New Mexico before moving to Ozark County in 1973. 

Marshall and Mary had six children, 28 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. 

During her lifetime, she has been a girl scout, a rancher, a wife and a mother. She was a member of the “Cowbells,” a women’s group within the cattlemen's association. She sponsored 4H and FFA in national conventions and taught students how to judge livestock in ag shows. 

She was a cattle baroness, breeding registered Charolais cattle and showing her stock at state fairs. 

She was a member of Church of Christ all her life and was a Sunday school teacher for years. 

She celebrated her birthday at home with her beloved family. 

Mary told the Times that her advice to others hoping to reach 96 years of age is to "be determined, be tough, and walk a lot!"