Sonya Gay Taylor

MALTA –Sonya Gay Hales Taylor, age 77, passed away, at McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah, on Saturday, August 6, 2022, after a stroke. She was, as in life, surrounded by the family she raised and loved so much.

Sonya was born December 31, 1944, to Lloyd and Camille Joy Hales in Camp White, Oregon. She joined two brothers, Loren and Timothy Hales, and a sister, NeAnne Hales. Later came two more brothers, Lenny Gibbs and Calvin Wylie, and one more sister, Christie Wylie.

Later, Camille moved her family to Rexburg, Idaho, where Sonya attended elementary and high school, and eventually Idaho State University, where she would meet the love of her life, and eternal companion, Cedric Taylor. After marrying for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on September 10, 1970, they moved to Logan, Utah, where Cedric continued his education, and Sonya attended cosmetology school. Eventually they would make their home in Malta, Idaho, where they would run Cedric’s family farm, raise their six children, and enjoy nearly 52 happy years together.

Sonya was a lifelong active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she enjoyed serving in many capacities and different callings throughout the church. She particularly delighted in being around the newborn babies, and the children in Primary. She enjoyed teaching them about the Savior and watching them grow in the gospel. Sonya had two great driving forces in her life. First, studying the Gospel of Jesus Christ and applying it in her life. Second, raising her children in the Gospel, and watching them have their own families. Whenever asked where she would like to take a vacation, or go on a trip, her answer would invariably be, “wherever my kids and grandkids are”.

Sonya is survived by her husband Cedric; all six of her children, Elona Mae Garcia (David), DeRoy C Taylor, Wanita Lynn Bills (John), Ladawna Joy Durfee (Bill), Derrick Lee Taylor and Melinda Sue Kunka (Rich); three brothers, Lorin Hales (JaNele), Lenny Gibbs, Calvin Wylie, one sister: Christie Burch (Rick); 17 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, father, 2 step-fathers, one brother, Timothy Hales, and a sister NeAnne Curtis (Bill), all of which are now surely enjoying a family reunion.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 15th, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Malta, with Bishop Lane Schumann officiating. Burial will follow at Valley Vu Cemetery in Malta.

Friends and family will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, August 14th, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Monday, preceding the service, at the church.