Amaya Taylor

Amaya Shae Taylor

Amaya was born March 29, 2005 and passed away August 7, 2025. She was diagnosed with moyamoya disease June 3, 2025. After an unsuccessful surgery, Amaya passed away at the University of Utah Hospital surrounded by her loved ones.

Amaya was born in Sandy, Utah to Palray and Cecily Taylor. She was Amaya from the start. Any time she heard music, she started to dance, thus earning her the nickname Boogie. She was full of energy from the get go but also loved to snuggle and handed out hugs freely. She loved driving her sister Trinity crazy, being outside, getting dirty, was a messy eater, and her hair almost always reflected that. At the age of 7, she gained a step-mom, an older step-brother and a younger step-sister. All four kids immediately acted like they had always been a family, loving each other and fighting with each other in equal parts.

Amaya spent her life in Herriman, Utah, graduating from Mountain Ridge High School in 2023. She was attending Salt Lake Community College with plans to move to Utah Valley University in the spring of 2026. She had a deep love for children and was pursuing a degree in early childhood development, eventually wanting to own and operate a daycare.

Amaya was the heart and soul of every gathering. Known for her big, funny personality and infectious laugh, she had a unique ability to make everyone feel loved, included and appreciated. She never let anyone feel alone and was always ready with a story, kind words or a hug to lift spirits. Amaya was passionate about sports and was a devoted Raiders fan. She played competitive softball for many years starting at the age of 8. She loved going to concerts, planning activities and entertaining her younger cousins. Everyone joked that Amaya was a grandma at heart, enjoying naps, crocheting, going to bed early and taking care of those around her. Amaya's warmth, joy and dedication left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She truly was a light in everyone's lives.

Amaya is survived by her father Palray Taylor (Jill Taylor), her mother Cecily Crowe (Daren Crowe), her sister Trinity Samowitz (Luke Samowitz), her brother Jason Anderson, her sister Andie Anderson, and many grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and step-siblings.

A viewing will be held Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home (1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah 84095). Funeral services will be held Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Rose Canyon Stake Center (7079 W. Rose Canyon Road, Herriman, UT 84096) with a viewing prior from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Amaya will be buried in the Herriman City Cemetery. The Funeral Service can be watched via a live broadcast on the day of the funeral on her obituary page at www.jenkins-soffe.com