Selma A. Taylor, 84

Selma A. Taylor, age 84, of 215 Meadow St., Stevens Point, passed away on Dec. 9, 2021.

She was surrounded by a loving family at her birth, at her death, and every moment in-between. Selma was born on July 6, 1937, to Adelbert E. Ketchum and Helen L. (Kjederquest) Ketchum, the fourth of six children. She was raised in Northern Illinois, born in Rockford, Ill., graduated from Dekalb High School in 1955, and received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1958.

While at NIU, Selma met Allen G. Taylor while studying at the campus library, and her two passions of family and education were forever intertwined. Allen and Selma were married on June 15, 1958, at First United Methodist Church in Dekalb, Ill. before moving to Stevens Point where Selma would attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. There, she received her Master of Science in Education.

From there Selma taught at four different elementary schools in three different states (Pinkney Elementary in Lawrence, KS; Firth Elementary in Firth, ID; Jackson Elementary and Bannach Elementary in Stevens Point). 

She also worked as an Admissions Counselor for Graduate School at Utah State University for one year in Logan, UT. While teaching in Wisconsin, Selma received the Stevens Point School System Teacher of the Year award and was a member of the 110% Club. It was fitting, as she always gave 110 percent to every person she worked with, professionally and socially.

Selma loved teaching and working with children in school and church settings.  She was a faithful member at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Stevens Point where she started a week-long summer church camp. Initially intended to give her children a positive summer experience, Selma created a camp family. St. Paul’s Church Camp continues these 45 years later. Selma served as the director of this camp every year since its inception and continues to inspire its direction.

Family and Education were two of Selma’s greatest passions, which she shared in the public schools, at church, with children, and inspired many she worked with to pursue a career in teaching as well.  Family, for Selma, was not limited to blood relation, but was an open invitation for anyone who needed a “mom” or “grandma.”

Selma is survived by her husband, Allen; children, Ernie (Vera) of Stevens Point, Craig (Lisa) of Wausau, and Bryan (Carmen) of Stevens Point; grandchildren, Matthew (Kristy), Kyle (Gerene), Eric (Holly), Logan, Bryce, Cecily, and Chase; and her great-grandchildren Makenna, Lucas, Myles, Kalrian, Evelyn, Adrianna, Bree, and Camden. She is further survived by her sister, Phyllis. 

Selma is preceded in death by her parents, Adelbert and Helen; sisters Kathy and Helen; and brothers, Stanley and Frank.

Visitation will begin at 12 p.m., followed by a 2 p.m. service, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 600 Wilshire Blvd, in Stevens Point, on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. Rev. Timothy O’Brien will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts may be sent to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.