Taylor Ryan Rex

Taylor Ryan Rex, 24, of Marshall, Minnesota and formerly Honolulu, Hawaii, passed away at her home on October 19, 2025.

Born May 11, 2001, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Taylor was a cherished daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend. Taylor will be so deeply missed for her brilliant mind, charming wit, adventurous spirit, and empathetic heart. She touched countless lives with her warmth, laughter, creativity, and joy.

From her earliest days, Taylor was a force of nature, always enchanting those she met. As a child, she was inquisitive, loved reading and shined brightly with imagination. She spent many summer vacations with her grandparents in Gainsville, Texas and Los Angeles, California making cherished memories. She kept her love of the outdoors with her as she explored the Pacific Northwest, driving and camping along the coast in search of the biggest trees, quaintest sea towns, and best thrift stores.

Taylor attended Kahala Elementary and graduated from Punahou School with the Class of 2019. During high school she enjoyed supporting other students at camp as a peer counselor. She participated in riflery, went to state for debate, and she cared deeply for the islands, helping lead a successful student initiative to eliminate plastic bottles from campus.

She earned a degree in Environmental Studies from Seattle University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. During college, she loved working as an intern for the campus horticultural department. She embraced environmental and social activism, focusing on finding solutions through urban agriculture. Her depth, empathy, and intellect embraced the pursuit of diverse experiences and she was heartfelt in the honorable search for peace and justice.

Taylor traveled widely across the United States and abroad—including a senior year tour through China, a riverboat cruise on the Rhine (Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland), studying abroad in Costa Rica, along with recent travel to Kauai and Scotland—always trying to leave a blessing wherever she went. She lived and strove to thrive in this world with purpose.

She is survived by her mother Jamie Swan and stepfather Jeff; father Ryan Rex and stepmother Kristen; grandparents Steve and Brenda Kitchen, Judd and Cindy Rex; siblings Dylan Rex, Tessa and Myles Swan; aunts and uncles Brian (Danielle) Casebeer, Julia (Aaron) Smith, Jessica (Mike) Forsgren, Tyler (Amy) Rex; cousins Mason and Austin Casebeer; Luke, Aaron, Owen, and Scarlet Forsgren; Rockwell, Truman, and Walter Rex; Emerson, Calvin, Silvia, Archer, and Winston Smith; beloved friends and extended family. They will forever treasure the moments shared with her.

Taylor was predeceased by her grandfather, Wayne Casebeer, who now accompanies her on her journey.

A gathering to honor and celebrate Taylor’s life to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Taylor to Raymond F. Baker Endowed Fund for Grounds and Living Collections at the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum: https://give.uhfoundation.org/campaigns/63435/donations/new?utm_medium=redirect&designation_id=12577102&utm_campaign=appeal