Juanita Joy Taylor

Juanita Joy (Linn) Taylor, age 96, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of her family.

Born July 2, 1930 to the late Pearson and Dorothy (Speigel) Linn and raised in Crawford County, Ohio, Joy spent her early years building a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. She and her husband, Kenneth Taylor, shared 55+ years of marriage until his passing in 2006. Together they devoted their lives to operating their family farm, Freedom Acres, where they built not only a livelihood but a lifetime of cherished memories.

Joy was a gifted seamstress whose talents brought beauty and comfort to many. She lovingly created countless dresses for her daughters and spent many years sewing custom draperies for a local interior decorator. Her craftsmanship, attention to detail, and creativity were evident in every project she touched.

Before relocating to San Diego, Joy was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church, where her faith and commitment to her community were an important part of her life. She was later a member of the Foothills United Methodist Church in La Mesa, California

Her family was her greatest joy. She is survived by her three daughters, Patty (Jim) Trupp, Cindy VanTilburg, and Mary Jo Taylor; four grandchildren Valerie (Muriz) Alicajic, Josh VanTilburg, Carrie Trupp and Aimee VanTilburg; three great-grandchildren, Aiden Aicajic, Caellum Alicajic and Audree VanTilburg; and her sister-in-law, Dee Taylor. She was immensely proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took great delight in following their accomplishments and celebrating their successes.

An avid traveler and gifted organizer, Joy had a passion for planning adventures. Together, she and Kenneth explored all 50 states, journeyed to the Arctic Circle, and visited more than 20 countries around the world. These travels enriched their lives and provided stories and memories that Joy loved to share with family and friends.

Joy was preceded in death by her sisters, Marian (Tom) Huggins and Pauline (Ed) Limbach; and their spouses, her niece Susan Limbach, her in-laws, Lester (Evelyn) Taylor, Ruth (Marvin) Kalb and Calvin Taylor.

Joy will be remembered for her quiet strength, unwavering dedication to her family, remarkable work ethic, creative talents, adventurous spirit, and the love she shared so generously with those around her. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished and the countless lives she touched over her 96 years.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Family and friends may call on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 11:00-1:00 at Wise Funeral Home. Service will immediately follow at 1:00pm. Burial will be at Brokensword Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made payable to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice, and these gifts will be accepted through the funeral home. Online memories are encouraged to be shared on her guest book at www.wisefuneral.com.