Our incredible Ann Lee Taylor Ostler passed away peacefully and gracefully at her home, with her family, from brain cancer on March 24, 2014. She was born June 17, 1960 in Salt Lake City to J. Lewis and Jon Lee Taylor. She is the oldest of seven children. She had a happy childhood growing up in Mt. Pleasant, Springville, Seattle and Salt Lake City. She graduated from Skyline High School with a group of life-long friends. She earned a Master's Degree in English Literature from the University of Utah. She served a mission to Toronto Canada, where her eternal companion Steve first noticed her bright blue eyes and soft smile. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1984 and have had the joy of raising a family of seven wonderful children.
Ann loved life, lived it to the fullest, and had no fear of any new adventure. She enjoyed nature, especially when she was hiking in the mountains, painting a beautiful landscape, or riding her bike up the canyon. She was a voracious reader beginning when she was very young; she was often reading four or five books at the same time. She was blessed with a keen mind, a witty sense of humor and she loved to learn about everything. Ann could do almost anything when she put her mind to it. She has a mature spirit and was comfortable with who she was, and was always happy.
Everyone who knew Ann felt like she was a dear friend; she loved us all and we are so much better because of her. She was particularly drawn to those who needed her special gifts of friendship and service; she championed the underdog. She served the way the Savior served because she loved Him and had complete faith in Him. Her sure knowledge of the Lord's plan allowed her to face her passing with courage, without fear.
Ann cherished the gospel and was a gifted teacher. She served in many Church callings but her favorites always included teaching. She loved the chance to serve with her whole family as Inner-City Missionaries. Ann worshipped often in the temple and she volunteered at the Humanitarian Center. She was an example to many even though she shied away from the spotlight and from doing anything just for the approval of others. She was fiercely independent and had complete integrity.
Ann's greatest joy is her children. She lovingly taught them everything they would need in order to live exceptional lives. She was so proud of them and who each is becoming. Her influence in their lives was profound. She promised that for the significant events in their lives like marriage and births, that she would be there in spirit, and we know she will, because she usually got her way.
She is survived by her husband Steve; children Amie (Steve), Bracken, Oliver, Christian (serving in the Rome Italy Mission), Taylor, Daniel, and Richard; one grandson James and another she will help get here in a few weeks; parents Jon and Lewis Taylor, siblings John (Becky) Taylor, David (Kelli) Taylor, James Taylor, Rebecca (Steve) Nichols, Sue (David) Nielsen, Steve's parents Don and Barbara Ostler and his siblings and spouses and a large extended family who all loved her. She is preceded in death by her younger brother Steven and her grandparents.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful team at the Huntsman Cancer Institute (Ann would be happy if you donated to them) and all of those who have shown Ann and her family so much love and caring.
A viewing will be held on Friday, March 28, 2014 at the Salt Lake East Mill Creek Stake Center located at 3103 East 3600 South from 6:00 ‚ 8:30 p.m. and on the morning of the funeral from 10:00 ‚ 11:30 a.m. Funeral Services will be on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. followed by her interment at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at larkinmortuary.com/obituaries/.
