Mary C. Turner, 89, of Chicora, PA, passed away July 7, 2021 at the farm in Rattigan, PA surrounded by her family.
She was born July 18, 1931 to Arthur and Stella (Wolfe) Double in Butler, PA.
Mary was a graduate of the Fairview Township Karns City High School and a member of the McKee Chapel United Methodist Church. On August 3, 1951 she married the love of her life, James C. Turner, whom she met square dancing at the Donegal Grange, and enjoyed 59 years of marriage together. A loving mother and homemaker, Mary enjoyed life on the family farm working alongside Jim and raising their nine children. The simple pleasures in life brought Mary great joy; sitting in the swing in the yard with Jim, attending church on Sunday, and family gatherings every holiday with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren creating a total family of nearly 70 people. She had an uncanny ability to find happiness in each day’s activities and instilled in her children a strong faith, a firm work ethic, and a solid family bond. Affectionately known as “Honey” for her sweet disposition and kind heart, she was the glue that held them all together. She will be fondly remembered for her love of baking, especially her homemade rolls and pies, her extensive garden and canning and her welcoming kitchen table always filled with enough food to feed an army. Her wisdom, grace, and empathy touched many lives; she will be greatly missed.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mary’s caregivers who helped them keep her at home, where she wanted to be; Diane Carothers, Twila Timblin, Pam Burke, and Chris Debacco.
She will be deeply missed by her eight children, Linda Griffiths and her husband Bill, James A. Turner and his wife Dot, Kathy Anderson and her husband Dave, Alice Anderson and her husband Bob, Richard Turner, Tom Turner and his wife Lori, John Turner and his wife Deana, and David Turner and his wife Michele, all of Chicora; 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; one brother, Van Double and his wife Gayle of East Brady; two sisters, Ollie Lou Knox and her husband Don of Bruin, and Helen Cramer and her husband Charles of Chicora; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, James C. Turner, who passed away on June 22, 2011; her daughter, Shirley J. Turner; two brothers, Dale Double and Bob Double; six sisters-in-law, Alice Double, Naomi Peters, Ella Turner, Margaret Snyder, Mildred Turner and Eleanor Double; and five brothers-in-law, Miles Turner, William Turner, John Turner, William Double and Fred Peters.
Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Friday, July 9, 2021, at the McKee Chapel United Methodist Church, 349 Fenelton Road, Fenelton.
Additional visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of funeral services at 11 AM on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at the church, with the Rev. Floyd Barnhart officiating.
Burial will be in Worthington Lutheran Cemetery, Armstrong County.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s honor to McKee Chapel United Methodist Church, 349 Fenelton Road, Fenelton, PA 16034.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Raisley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, PC of 387 Main Street Prospect.