Patricia Turner

Obituary of Patricia Ann Turner

Patricia Ann Turner passed away March 11, 2019 at the age of 100.  Pat was born March 21, 1918, at her Aunt's house in Twin Falls, Idaho to R.O. and Fannie (Coates) Ward.  During her youth she and her two younger sisters were raised on a farm in Wendell, Idaho.  Living on a farm and being self sufficient, they felt very fortunate during the Great Depression. It was also during this period of her life, Pat learned how to sew, garden, and understood the blessing of family and friends.  In 1936,  Pat graduated from Wendell High as Valedictorian where she had participated in basketball, student council, and orchestra.  She was an accomplished pianist and played for several weddings and church.

 

 After graduation she attended Idaho State University - Southern Branch where she played basketball.  After 2 years Pat followed her future husband, Ray Turner, (who she met while in high school) to the University of Idaho.  While Ray was completing his degree at the U of I,  Pat attended business college in Tacoma then worked in both Spokane and Boise  where she made lifelong friends.  Whenever possible she would travel on weekends to watch Ray play basketball for the U of I.   On June 1, 1942,  Pat and Ray were married in Moscow, Idaho.  During WWII, Ray was sent to Liberal, Kansas where the servicemen and families lived in refurbished chicken coops.  While Ray remained in Kansas to fulfill his duty, Pat returned to Wendell in 1944 for the birth of their first son, Chuck.  They then returned to Moscow as Ray completed his education. The family would live between Moscow, Wendell, and Pocatello for both work and education.  In 1947, their son Rob was born in Wendell.  Ray then accepted a position with Moscow High and needed the appropriate attire.  Due to finances and Ray's height, Pat made his first two suits and continued to sew for the family throughout the years.

 

In 1950, the family returned to Wendell to build their first home with the help of R.O, and Pat began her calling as a homemaker.  In 1955, daughter Patti arrived, completing the family.  While in Wendell, Pat was a homemaker, substitute teacher, and spent a great amount of time with family and school activities.  Family time included camping, fishing, skiing, and those adventurous exploring Idaho trips.  She was a member of PEO, PTA, Eastern Star, Presbyterian Church, the notorious Bridge Club, did volunteer work, and was fully immersed in the community.  Pat and several others would spend one day a week washing and setting hair for those at the local assisted living center.  Being a lifelong learner, Pat and several others would drive to Twin Falls in the evening to take continuing educational classes. 

 

In 1968, Ray was appointed Idaho State Director Of Vocational Rehabilitation.  After a very long and established life in a small community, the family moved to Boise.  Pat became a member of PEO Chapter BK, volunteered at the Elk's, First Presbyterian Church, reacquainted with friends and friends living in the Boise area, and taking additional classes.  Outdoor camping continued with the tent being exchanged for a self contained trailer.  Pat and Ray would take trips to the Oregon coast for sea fishing, visit Alaska, Puerto Rico, different states, and last minute getaways.   And of course their dogs would accompany them whenever possible.  They continued to stay involved with family both far and near, which later included grandchildren.

 

When Ray passed away in 1995, Pat continued to live in her own home until after the age of 100.  Those who knew Pat knew she loved to visit.  Coffee, homemade cookies, and biscotti were always available and offered. Until the age of 98 she was an avid reader, did the daily crossword puzzle, attended exercise classes with a wonderful group at the Garden City Library, and never missed her beloved PEO BK meetings---thank you Margy Cooper.  The past 2 years became more challenging but with the help of family, her "circle" neighbors, and care givers (Paulette Dixon, and Illa Vermeulen) she was able to stay until deciding on assisted living.  A special thank you to the PEO chapter BK sisters, neighbor Ann Hays, longtime friend Jo Irons, and Plantation Place where Pat enjoyed their loving and supportive staff.

 

Pat is proceeded in death by her husband Ray who was so dearly missed, her parents,  sisters and their husbands Lila Rae (Jim) Christian, Jane (Del) Lambing, grandsons Kirk Turner Watkins and Scott Brower.

 

Pat is survived by her children and their spouses:  Chuck and Ilene Turner, Rob and Kathy Turner, Patti and Ernie Watkins. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Scott's widow Della Pratt, Logan and Rochelle Brower (Trey, Rhett), Dillon and Tara Brower (Bella);  Kip Brower (Levi, Shelby); Eric and Laura Brower (Amanda, Jamee, Cody); Amanda Scruggs (Emma, Abby, Jacob); Katie and Bryant Jones (Brylie, Ollie), Annie and Charlie Nuuvali (Talia). 

 

At Pat's request there will be a service for family only.

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A Memorial Tree was planted for Patricia
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Summers Funeral Homes - Ustick Chapel