Catherine Lyna Taylor

Catherine Lyna Taylor, 60, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away on July 28, 2026. Born on December 22, 1965, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Catherine was the daughter of David Korte and Barbara Ruth (Gunn) Wilson. She lived a life defined by compassion, generosity, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Catherine was both an educated accountant and a Certified Nursing Assistant. When her father was diagnosed with cancer, she returned to school to become a CNA so she could provide him with the very best care. That selfless decision reflected the kind of person she was—someone who always put the needs of others before her own.

She had a wonderfully dry sense of humor that could catch you off guard and leave everyone laughing. Catherine loved people, loved to dance, and found joy in life's simple moments. She and her husband shared a passion for music and together co-founded the Arkansas Blues Society before opening Cat House Blues in Hot Springs, creating a place where music, friendship, and community came together.

Family was the center of Catherine's world. She treasured being a mother and was grateful for the years she was able to stay home raising her children. She never missed one of Jesse's baseball games and faithfully kept the scorebook, making sure every detail was recorded correctly. She also helped coach her daughters' basketball teams, not only as a coach but as the team mom, encouraging every girl to believe in herself and strive to be her best. Her home was always open to her children's friends who needed a meal, a listening ear, or simply a safe place to belong.

Catherine believed that mistakes were opportunities to learn and often reminded her children, "Mistakes are lessons, and you learn from lessons." She also made sure every conversation ended the same way—with the words, "I love you."

A gifted gardener, Catherine spent more than twenty years transforming her backyard into a beautiful retreat. She was artistic in every sense of the word, sewing curtains and bedspreads, upholstering furniture, and filling her home with the artwork created by her children and grandchildren. She appreciated history, loved collecting historical treasures, and saw beauty and value in things others might overlook. Her eclectic spirit made every room she decorated uniquely her own.

She was an exceptional cook whose fajitas and banana pudding became family favorites. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and every Thanksgiving her children eagerly looked forward to the homemade pies that had become a treasured tradition. Giving was Catherine's love language. Whether it was a thoughtful gift, a helping hand, or simply making sure everyone's needs were met, she found her greatest joy in caring for others.

Catherine loved old rock 'n' roll and was known to load up her children for a Tuesday night concert without a second thought. She enjoyed traveling overseas and learning about different cultures, treasured trips to Fayetteville, and loved spending time at the lake swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing. She adored animals of every kind, especially elephants, which always held a special place in her heart.

Above all else, Catherine leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, generosity, kindness, and compassion. She taught those around her to love deeply, give freely, and always make time for the people who matter most. Her family will forever cherish the countless memories she created and the example she set through a life so beautifully lived.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Wilson; her former husband, Max Taylor; her grandmother, Ruth Horan Gunn; and her grandfather, Dick Gunn.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Sara Ollison (Christopher), Jesse Taylor (Laken), and Melody Taylor (Joshua Norwood); her beloved grandchildren, Lakyn Ollison, Kameron Ollison, and Max Taylor; her father, David Korte (Juanita); her siblings, Benjamin Korte, Cary Wilson, Michael Wilson (Tiffany), John Bret Hagan (Robin), Ruthie Hagan (Micah), Amanda Barbosa, and Natalie Hines (Ray); along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will miss her beyond measure.

A memorial service celebrating Catherine's life will be held at a later date at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Tontitown, Arkansas.

Arrangements are entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.

To know Catherine was to experience generosity, laughter, acceptance, and unconditional love. Her beautiful spirit will continue to live on in every life she touched and in the family she cherished above all else.