Ingrid Taylor

Ingrid Thilda (Cragholm) Taylor of Dillon, MT left for her final resting place on August 28th, 2017. Ingrid was born of Scandinavian ancestry to Col. Ellsworth A. Cragholm and Alice (Peterson) Cragholm on July 20th, 1943 in San Francisco, CA. She was reared and thrived in Dillon, MT as a youth. Ingrid would (after being Married) also live in Cut Bank, Missoula, and Great Falls, MT, and also took up residence in Dublin, CA each move creating and adapting for family dynamics before eventually coming full circle and calling Dillon home once again. Ingrid’s childhood was active and she enjoyed an array of activities not limited too, but including dance, winter sports, and girl scouting. A giggle and smile would always find a place when making mention of her times on the pond between Twin Bridges and Dillon, or the ski hill at Polaris, and those likes materialized into water skiing later down the line. Ingrid’s High School years were full and rewarding. She was involved in the student body, Pep Club, Spanish Club, Ski Club, Twirler’s, Girls State, Speech, Jr. Red Cross and Thespians to point out a few of her school hobbies and interests. Capping off that spirited time in her life Ingrid was deservedly honored with being voted Beaverhead County’s High School Homecoming Queen. On Sept. 2, 1961 Ingrid was married to William Taylor and shortly thereafter she began and continued to prepare for, adapt, cultivate, and enhance the times for her true life’s calling as a doting mother of five, and grandmother of four. Ingrid’s journey had it’s bumps and hiccups along the way but her substance and resiliency championed her efforts and belief sacrifice and selflessness describe words but they can’t touch or adequately define the extent of Ingrid’s mentality toward her approaches and family interactions. Although she was challenged at times Ingrid’s ongoing maternal compass was to witness as pure a gift one could have bestowed upon someone. Not long with words, but quick with a smile and constant with laughter Ingrid made you feel at ease and comfortable. Period. She became a viable CAN and later worked independently to assist elderly individuals to enable them to remain in their homes. The word “care” and “giver” were never more fitting for her undertakings both personally and professionally. Ingrid made friends easily and maintained them throughout her lifetime. Clearly evidenced from the strong bond she continued to cherish with schoolmates; Connie, Sally Jo, and Carol to name a few. Her time in California was brief (a second marriage, and subsequent divorce to and from Stephen Richards) yet a very supportive friendship was formed with Beverly Scott. One that Ingrid would trust and lean on heavily during some tough times. But without a doubt even the word “special” can’t do justice to the relationship Ingrid shared with her dear friend Bonnie Ferris, and a few notches down was their sidekick Jo Smith. Bonnie’s insistence of Ingrid being a mainstay at Ferris family functions and/or activities established and solidified a true life stabilizing quality of belonging for which Ingrid was very proud, and this was all spearheaded by love.Ingreid had her own angel here on earth. Thin or flush Bonnie kept Ingrid in her heart, sports, rodeo’s concerts, graduations, holidays, meals, and movies local or traveling Ingrid was fortunate and appreciative to have the Ferris Clan in her life. Ingrid was not touched with the adventuresome travel bug gene her younger brother was tagged with, but she did enjoy a trip now and again. As a youngster she fondly rememberd a family excursion to South America, regular holiday flights to Illinois were made to see her daughter Lisa, son-in-law Brian, and oldest grandson Ben (which always gave her joy0. Son Michael accompanied her to the home of her teen fav Elvis in Graceland and family members flew her to Hawaii and Alaska the later she was able to white water raft and reconnect with her father and stepmother. She also graced her oldest son Pat with a number of visits to AZ for sight seeing and relaxation. Ingrid was blessed to have the support of her brother Ellsworh Cragholm Jr. (and his family) throughout the years. Many a memorable time was had due to her brother’s invitations for his sister’s (and family) presence. But if Ingrid had her druthers she would be most content at home with family in Dillon. Self admittedly not a chef by any means Ingrid was however a big believer in the “I’ll buy you fly” notion and no matter the meal, dessert and/or ice cream was always more of a choice than an option, and chocolate anything could be utilized as a meal. With Ingrid nothing was really needed but proximity. Early in her children’s lives Ingrid was an underappreciated overworked chauffer driving all around the state of Montana for the likes of constant practices, games, and meets. And Ingrid easily transitioned into a unabashed and extremely biased cheerleading loud and proud parent without pause or much filter. And when Ingrid’s own children were all played out, along came a long string of Ferris participants to fill the bill. Plus Ingrid was then able to fill her Dillon Beavers patronage without missing a beat. Later still and also coinciding, Ingrid kept her Great Falls connection intact by cheering and attending sporting events of family friends Mike Brown, and Dough Sexe. Both families extended heartfelt care and love beyond the attendance of events. Joseph Degal and his family also chose every gathering to make Ingrid feel like family. All these helpful influences made Ingrid’s life a better place, mind and soul, and yet with all those positive care laden interactions she still carried around that terrible flaw she could not shake. That of being a Raider fan. Truth be told she would pull for whoever her children would have favor for, and that was very endearing to them all. Ingrid simply and utterly lived for her children and especially liked the banter that went along with being around them and their friends and loved ones. Ingrid garnered a true satisfaction over feeling she mattered, and if you were in her presence that’s how she made you feel, no matter the degree. And what a great legacy that is to give. May thoughts of Ingrid never travel without warmth and a smile. Ingrid is survived by her children; Lori Taylor of Great Falls, Lisa (Brian) Keller of Chicago, Patrick Taylor of Dillon, Michael Taylor of Los Vegas, William Taylor of Great Falls, brother; Ellsworth Cragholm Jr. (Stacia) of Lafayette, CA, four grandchildren; Ben Keller, Maisy, William, and Jack Taylor, two nieces, tow great nieces, and stepmother. She is preceded in death by her parents. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and/or Dillon Beavers Booster Club.