Tamara (Tammy) Mae Taylor of Meridian, passed gently away into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, February 4, 2024 after a sudden and severe illness. Tammy was born on July 26, 1951 in Scott’s Bluff, Nebraska to Leroy and Mona Mae Schaneman.
Tammy spent her early years in Scott’s Bluff. When Tammy was growing up, she spent time volunteering (which she loved), as a ‘Candy Striper’ for St. Mary’s Hospital in Scott’s Bluff. She graduated from Gering High School in 1969, and went to work at Grampy’s Pancake House where she met her future husband Darrell Taylor. Darrell was attending Platte Valley Bible College in Scott’s Bluff. Darrell and Tammy dated for a year before they eloped and were married in Winnemucca, Nevada on February 11, 1971. They welcomed their daughter, Jennifer, two years later.
Darrell and Tammy spent their early married years in Boise, until Darrell joined the Air Force. They spent several years in various locations when Darrell was stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Anchorage, Alaska and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Darrell was discharged from the Air Force in 1977 and the family moved to Rupert, Idaho where Darrell coached track and cross-country while Tammy provided care for young children along with raising Jennifer.
After their time in Rupert, Darrell and Tammy moved back to Boise, and she worked for a department store called the Emporium for nine years, then went to work for Idaho Mutual in Nampa, and remained employed there after the company became United Heritage and she transferred to Meridian. She retired from United Heritage in 2016. After retirement, she happily spent time on hobbies and crafts like pour painting and wreaths. Tammy created many beautiful pieces.
Tammy lived her faith, she often said that her father would always remind her to, “Stay close to the Lord”. No matter where she and Darrell lived and what they were doing, they were always active in their church. Tammy particularly loved volunteering for the Angel Tree program, and looked forward to gathering and delivering gifts during Christmas.
One of Tammy’s greatest joys and blessing’s was her grandson Riley. She loved Riley beyond measure and he stayed with Grandma and Papa often as he was growing up. Riley accompanied them regularly on trips home to see Tammy’s parents in Nebraska. She was very proud of his accomplishments.
Tammy is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Darrell, her daughter Jennifer (Scott) Conrad, and their son Riley; two brothers and one sister, Mike (Demaris) Schaneman, Michelle (Tim) Perkins, and Kevin (Kari) Schaneman. She also is survived by a brother-in-law Lee (Toni) Taylor and a sister-in-law Teri (Clint) Taylor, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services for Tammy will be held at 11 a.m. at Ten Mile Christian Church, 3500 W. Franklin Road in Meridian on Wednesday, February 21, and will be officiated by Pastor Steve Moore. No graveside services are planned at this time.