Lana Jo Taylor, 53, of Hailey, Idaho, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010, at St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center in Ketchum, Idaho. Lana was born on July 11, 1957, in Burley, Idaho, to Sally and Nalon Taylor. She was raised on a farm in Declo with her siblings, Jana, Mark, Kelly, Scott and Lance. Lana often shared fond memories of her childhood, especially her neighborhood friendships. Lana attended school in Declo, Idaho, and graduated from Declo High School. She continued her education, graduating from Idaho State University with a bachelor's degree and from Eastern Washington University with a master's degree in social work.
Lana met Steve Begley on Sept. 9, 1984. They married on Lana's birthday, July 11, 1987. Lana and Steve had two children, Dillon and Alexandra, who were the light of Lana's life.
Lana was known for her amazing work ethic and devotion to helping families and children in need. Lana worked for the state Department of Health and Welfare until she began her life's work as a school social worker with the Blaine County School District in 1985. For 25 years, Lana worked unceasingly to help students succeed in every aspect of life. Lana provided a safe and trusting environment for children, often being the nurturing and caring adult that helped them develop resilience in their lives. Over the years, Lana worked in every school in the district and served on many community coalitions and committees.
Lana had a wonderful love for life that included spending time with her family, golfing, yoga, fast cars, boating, fishing and gardening. Lana was known for her great sense of humor and ability to make people laugh and feel joyful.
Lana is survived by her husband, Steve Begley; children, Dillon and Alexandra; mother, Sally Taylor (Burley, Idaho); sister, Jana Jarvis (Rupert, Idaho); brothers Mark Taylor (Bay Salt, Idaho), Scott Taylor (South Carolina) and Lance Taylor (Rupert, Idaho); and nine loving nieces and nephews. Lana was preceded in death by her father, Nalon Taylor; her brother Kelly Taylor; her nephews, Markie and Jeremy; her sister-in-law Susan Taylor; her grandparents; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Memorial services were held Saturday, Oct. 30, at Wood River Chapel, 403 N. Main St. in Hailey. Graveside services followed at the Rupert Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lana Taylor Memorial Scholarship fund at Wells Fargo Bank in Hailey, to continue Lana's work of providing for the unmet needs of children in the Blaine County School District.
Friends may visit www.woodriverchapel.com to share memories and photos.
