Lillian Taylor, 85, a lifetime resident, died Sept. 11, 2007, at Ponca City Medical Center, after a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at the Hutchins Memorial at 10 a.m. Friday. The family will receive friends and family at the Aviation Boosters Club at the Ponca City Airport immediately following the service. Lillian was an exceptional mother, mother-in-law, aunt and friend to so many. She was an engaging historian, preservationist and world traveler. Lillian was born in Ponca City on Sept. 17, 1921. She was the daughter of Joseph and Lucy Ann Bowles. She was raised and spent her life in Ponca City. Ponca City was her second love, travel was her third love, and Harold, her husband of more than 65 years was her first. Lillian traveled the world because she loved history and wanted to experience all the places she had read about in the National Geographic Society magazine growing up. She was an expert on English history and knew more about England than most of her friends who lived there. She passed her love of travel along to her family who were fortunate enough to have numerous family trips to many destinations but especially to England, Mexico and Venice, Italy in particular. Without their children, Harold and Lillian traveled the world together as they enjoyed Australia, New Zealand, China, Scandinavia, Turkey, Greece, Yugoslavia to name just a few. They enjoyed the food and meeting people in every country they visited. Lillian sailed twice on the Queen Elizabeth II, once with Harold and once with her sister when they were both in their early 80s. As an unofficial ambassador for Ponca City and the state of Oklahoma, she continually talked about her home town and her efforts to save the historical monuments and preserve the history that was so dear to her. Lillian had the opportunity to represent mayors, senators and governors in making presentations on behalf of Ponca City and the state of Oklahoma to officials around the world, including Australia and England. She was a congressional senior intern. She was a tireless campaigner for preservation and was actively involved working on several projects until her death. As a small child, Lillian used to watch the planes flying above. One of her ambitions was to meet Amelia Earhart and she did. She learned to fly before she learned to drive a car. During World War II, she became a link trainer instructor at the Darr No. 6 British Flight Training School, a training center for the Royal Air Force. She taught young cadets how to fly by instruments. Lillian continued to enjoy her connection to the Royal Air Force throughout her life. She served as president of the U.S. No. 6 British Flying Training School Association for more than 20 years and enjoyed the many reunions, held all over the world. She was surrounded by her students as they celebrated their memories at each reunion. Lillian was employed for a time with the Federal Aviation Agency flight station here and was instrumental in establishing the Aviation History Museum of Ponca City. As a former flight training instructor for Braniff Airlines, she was able to obtain memorabilia for the museum. A highlight of Lillian’s life was the opening of the American Air Museum in Duxford, England, in 1997. She was involved in a presentation with the Queen of England, Prince Philip and Charlton Heston. Continuing her English ties, Lillian had the honor of being hosted for full English tea at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., on a number of occasions. In 2003, Lillian was named Pioneer Women Museum Woman of the Year. She was featured and premiered a video entitled “I See No Boundaries” which featured five Kay County women who have made significant achievements in their profession and in their communities. Lillian never saw boundaries — only opportunities. She was a true pioneer woman. As a guest of Col. James E. McInernie Jr., Lillian was honored on May 11, 2005, during a black tie gala to celebrate the British-American Partnership at the American Air Museum in Britain in Washington, D.C. She had the distinct pleasure of meeting and spending time with England’s Duke of Kent during the event. Some of her many civic achievements include the Aviation Booster Club, Professionals Today, Marland Estate Commission, Ponca City Aviation Museum at the Airport, Daughters of the America Revolution, Library Board, Centennial Committee and a sponsor of the Kirkpatrick Air Space museum in Oklahoma City. Lillian lived life to the fullest with grace and flare. Her family and friends adored her. She had friends all over the world and greeted everyone with a smile. She really never met a stranger. Lillian had a big heart and was a very generous, thoughtful and caring person. She loved to give books and boxes of chocolates. She was a true gift to her family and friends and was so loved and will be missed by so many. Lillian is survived by her husband Harold of the home; daughter, Susan Pickren and husband Thomas of Decatur, Ga., son, Dr. Steven B. Taylor of Dallas, Texas, and daughter, Pat Price and husband Bill of Ponca City; and her sister, JoAnn Smith of Tulsa. Surviving nieces and nephews include Charlotte Burton of Tulsa, Ralph G. Smith and wife Jackie of Yukon, and Carolyn Brady and husband Jim of Tulsa. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests celebrating her life by honoring her with a donation to the Landmark Conservancy, P.O. Box 1449, Ponca City, Okla. 74602 and to continue to support the historical preservation of her life town of Ponca City. Arrangements are by Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.