Elizabeth (Liz) Taylor, age 86, of Springfield, Missouri, died peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026 of natural causes.

Liz grew up on a dairy farm in Albany, Texas, the daughter of Eugene and Imogene Hill, and moved to Springfield at the age of 15. There she eventually met and married Paul W. Taylor in 1958, a loving union that lasted over 60 years until he passed in 2019. As Paul was a career Army officer, Liz often managed the household and raised the two children on her own while Paul was deployed overseas. After Paul retired from the Army in 1985, the couple moved to a cabin near the beautiful Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, where they enjoyed many visits from family and friends and the companionship of their beloved dog, Tip. After moving back to Springfield around 2005, Liz became a Master Gardener and spent many hours volunteering to maintain Springfield’s gardens. Liz grew up riding and loved horses throughout her life. She was a talented artist and gardener; painting and growing flowers were her favorite hobbies. Liz will be especially remembered for her kindness, her love for family and friends, and her optimistic outlook on life. 

Liz is survived by her brother, Russ, her sons, Phil and Dave, her daughters-in-law Janet and Athena, her sister-in-law, Elizabeth, and her niece, Cindy. She also leaves behind four loving grandchildren, Brendan, David, Caton, and Beth, and two great-granddaughters, Zoey and Stella.

Liz’s cremation urn will be placed next to Paul’s at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield on May 7, 2026, at 2 pm, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. In accordance with her wishes, there will not be a formal memorial service.