Carolyn Ruth Taylor

Carolyn Ruth (Massey) Taylor, age 80, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2026, in Westlake, Ohio, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on October 10, 1946, in Burnwell, West Virginia, Carolyn was the cherished daughter of the late Denver and Gladys (Kirk) Massey. She grew up in Richwood, West Virginia, a town and heritage she loved deeply throughout her entire life. After marrying Robert Taylor, she moved to Lorain, Ohio, where she welcomed her daughter, Tammy. Her love for the mountains inevitably drew her back home to Richwood.

Carolyn lived a fulfilling and rich life. She was a dedicated worker, serving as a custodian for the Nicholas County Board of Education at both Richwood Middle and High School, where she was a fierce fan and proud supporter of the Richwood Lumberjacks and especially the Richwood Lumberjack Express Band. She worked hard, but she loved even harder. In the latter part of her life she found faith, discovering immense comfort, strength, and peace in prayer, often saying it was “like Granny Massey taught us.” Carolyn’s heart for others was most evident in the selfless care she provided, spending several years caretaking for her cherished mother, Gladys “Granny” Massey, until her passing at age 94. She was a “through thick or thin” type of person who believed wholeheartedly that family sticks together through any trial. To Carolyn, a family’s love was absolute and unconditional; when the world fell apart, family was the ultimate shelter.

Family was Carolyn’s true love. She spent her last eight years living with her daughter, Tammy Taylor Lane, and her husband, Robb, creating beautiful, lasting memories. True to her resilient nature, when they later traveled to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, Carolyn fiercely supported her daughter’s battle with Multiple Sclerosis and Ovarian Cancer, even as she began her own courageous fight against Dementia. She was a protector, supporter, and fighter to the very end.

Carolyn, affectionately referred to as “Nanna,” adored her grandchildren and wholeheartedly loved each one of them. They shared special memories during holidays and random gatherings playing board and card games, where Carolyn wasn't above cheating a little bit from time to time. Most knew, especially family, she never had a problem speaking her mind, but she always ensured her family was laughing and having fun. She shared an exceptionally close and special bond with her granddaughter, Cara, whom she sweetly called her “Cara-bear.” Her warmth also extended to her many close friends, and she felt incredibly blessed by the kindness of her neighbors on Riverside Drive. Carolyn also held a special place in her heart for her beloved pets over the years: her dogs, Ty, Pepper Ann, and Louie, and her red cat, Reddington.

Carolyn is survived by her devoted daughter, Tammy (Robb) Lane; her cherished grandchildren, Cara (Kris) Sloop, Cody Baber, and Jackie (Jason) Manassero; and her two precious great-grandchildren, Laken and Hunter Manassero. She is also survived by her two brothers, Eddie (Phyllis) Massey and Jack (Kris) Massey, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Denver and Gladys Massey, and her three beloved sisters, Sue (Vester) Arbogast, Brenda Mullens, and Kay Massey. 

Though we won’t again hear her warn “No shoes on in the house” or say “Let’s check the stove one more time,” Carolyn’s legacy of hard work, fierce love, and unwavering faith will always be heard in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Service Information: 

The family will announce a Celebration of Life Service at a future date to honor Carolyn’s beautiful life and legacy.

Wyers-Bollinger funeral Chapel is honored to assist the family.

www.wyers-bollinger.com