Tombstone Tales shares Taylorsville history in a unique way
Nov 05, 2025 05:19PM ● By Carl Fauver
Although her mother co-created Tombstone Tales nearly 30 years ago, Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson never performed in the event until this year’s organizers coaxed her into portraying her mom. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)
For the sixth time in 27 years, the Taylorsville Arts Council joined forces with the city’s Historic Preservation Committee to present Tombstone Tales at the city cemetery (4575 S. Redwood Road). Hundreds of people attended the free event, where they walked from tombstone to tombstone to hear seven, short historical presentations from ten different actors. Among the performers was Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson, depicting her mother, Tombstone Tales co-creator Mavis Steadman.
Historic Preservation Committee Chair Susan Yadeskie portrayed Mary Ellen Cook, who at age 9 was a member of the ill-fated Martin Handcart Company in 1856. While losing family members on that journey, Cook survived and lived in Taylorsville into old age. Yadeskie is the only performer who has depicted historical Taylorsville figures in all six Tombstone Tales presentations, in 1998, 2003, 2009, 2015, 2022 and now 2025.
