Ruth Ann Burton Waits Taylor (Ann Taylor) passed away peacefully in her home in Bethany, Oklahoma, on December 27, 2024.

Ann was born to Rev. Claud L. Burton and Marjorie Doyle Burton on December 17, 1934, in Erick, Oklahoma. Ann was the eldest of four daughters, reaching the remarkable age of ninety!

Ann married Jesse Lee Waits in Woodward, Oklahoma, on August 21, 1951. They were blessed with three children: David, Dana, and Jonathan. In the early years, they enjoyed an adventurous life on a farm in Buffalo, OK. In July 1968, the family relocated to Ashland, KS, where Jess purchased an agricultural business. Ann served as the bookkeeper for Waits Homegas, Inc. In 1977, they moved to Cimarron, KS, where Waits Fertilizer, Inc. was based. Ann continued her work as the bookkeeper during that time. Jess and Ann's marriage ended in 1985. At that point, Ann moved to Mustang, OK, and began her role as a payroll clerk for Hobby Lobby Corporate Offices until her retirement in 1999.

In 1987, Ann found love again with Bud Taylor. They married on July 2, 1987, built a beautiful life together in Mustang, OK, attended Yukon First Church of the Nazarene, and enjoyed time with their blended families. They relished spending time outdoors and traveling to many national parks in their camper. In the spring of 1999, Ann and Bud purchased land southwest of Stillwater, where Bud constructed a lovely home for them. They treasured their years together in Stillwater and were members of the Stillwater Nazarene Church. Ann worked for Payne County Counseling Services and sang in the Stillwater Community Singers. After Bud's passing in December, 2004, Ann continued to embrace life in Stillwater. In the spring of 2016, she moved to Southern Plaza Independent Living in Bethany, OK. Ann loved living at Southern Plaza, made many friends there, and was very fond of the staff. During those years, she attended Bethany First Church of the Nazarene.

Ann is survived by her children, David Waits (Cindy), Dana Price (Mike), Jonathan Waits (Tami), Matt Taylor (Donna), Mark Taylor (Tammy), Terri Niksch (Robert), and Brian Taylor (Cindy); 20 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; sisters, Sue Niles, Barbara Baker, and Beverley Bailey; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express gratitude to Tender Care Hospice for the loving care and attention provided during the last 11 days of her life.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, January 6 at Lake View Park Church of the Nazarene, 3500 NW 50th St., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with Rev. Henry Siems officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.