Valoy Christensen Taylor

Valoy Christensen Taylor finished her mortal struggle, and surrounded by family, left this world on Monday, July 21, 2025. She was 81.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Byron William Christensen and Phoebe Rich Christensen, and her sister, Ila Neeley. She is survived by her devoted husband, Rocky Taylor; her brothers, Rich Christensen (LaRae) and Conley Christensen; her five children, Paul Taylor (Lindy), Rachel Rood (Kerry), Laura Webb (Elven), Merritt Taylor (Erin), and Ammon Taylor; and her twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Valoy was born on September 7, 1943, in Driggs, Idaho, while her family lived in a four-room log cabin in Alta, Wyoming, and spent her childhood and youth in Teton Valley, Idaho. She was a shepherdess as a young child, tasked with watching the family’s flock of sheep; she passed the time by playing the flute for her fluffy charges.

Music was Valoy’s passion, and she was a very accomplished musician from her youth. She mastered the violin, the piano, and voice. In high school she played violin in the orchestra, baritone horn in the band, and saxophone in the dance band. Later she served as Concert Mistress (1st Chair violin) for the BYU Chamber Orchestra. She was selected as valedictorian three times – of her class at Teton High School, Rick’s College, and at Brigham Young University. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Violin Pedagogy.

In fact, music brought Valoy and Rocky together. She was accompanying a high school vocal performer when she was in 8th grade; Rocky saw her and was smitten. Rocky was one of many suitors, and not always at the top of the list; but more than ten years later, he came out on top! They married in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 12, 1966; they celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary last year.

Encouraging and motivating others was Valoy’s superpower. She told Rocky he could become a state champion wrestler, so he did; she said he could serve a full-time mission, so he did. She went on to motivate her children to musical and academic excellence, as well. This included organizing the family as a performing group when the kids were still very young, performing at city, church, and social events. The kids thought it was normal to learn two instruments plus voice!

Valoy’s faith permeated her life. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and strove to raise her family in faith. She served in the Church in several capacities, including as President of the Relief Society, but Ward Choir Director was her true calling, and she served for decades in that capacity. She lifted average singers to virtuosic levels, and brought wonderful feeling and expression to countless church meetings over the years.

Valoy’s later years were increasingly overshadowed by her battle with health challenges, including chronic pain, nausea, depression, and anxiety. She and Rocky worked and explored treatment after treatment, with varying success. Rocky was her steadfast supporter as illness claimed more and more of her capacity and her freedom to accomplish. During these years she found joy in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; she loved to hear what everyone was doing, and to connect with her growing progeny.

Her passing is for her a deliverance, and we share her faith that she is at last released from pain and illness, and is again free to act and to enjoy according to her immense innate capacity. We will all miss her intelligence, discernment, musical genius, devoted faith, and anxious care for her family and others.

We’d like to thank the wonderful people at CNS Hospice, ComForCare, and other carers, including Robert, Lanae, Christine, Betsie, Gretchen, Royella, Jessica, Laura, and Brittany.

Services will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 155 North 100 East in Providence, Utah. A viewing will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 am. The funeral will begin at 11:30 am, followed by an interment at the Providence City Cemetery.

Valoy's funeral service can be viewed via Zoom at: CLICK HERE TO WATCH SERVICE VIA ZOOM