Memorial services for Kathleen Turner, 86, Lawrence, will be Tuesday July 31 at 10:00 AM at Plymouth Congregational Church. Mrs. Turner passed Friday July 20, 2018 at The Arbor of Brandon Woods, Lawrence. A private family inurnment will take place at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery later that afternoon. She will be inurned next to the love of her life, Edwin John “Fritz” Turner.
Kathleen was born January 12, 1932 in Luther, Oklahoma, the daughter of Edward McCurry and Florence Thelma Garton McCarty. She grew up in Larned and graduated from Larned High School in 1950, where she participated cheerleading, theater, Glee Club, was Editor of the Chieftain, played flute in the band and attended Girl’s State. She was also a member of the Job’s Daughters. Kathleen graduated from Saint Rose Nursing School as an RN in 1953 and went on to nurse for Dr.’s Beahm and Polson; Head Nurse Surgical Ward Four North at Central Kansas Medical Center; Private Duty Nurse Barton County Health Nurse; School Lunch Cook at USD 428, Park Elementary School and also worked in retail at Komarek’s Jewelry, all in Great Bend. Kathleen was a member of the American Legion and VFW Auxiliary and an anchor in the Choir of First Christian and Congregational Church, Great Bend and Plymouth Congregational Church, Lawrence.
Kathleen married Edwin John “Fritz” Turner on September 13, 1953, in Larned, Kansas and were married 58 ½ years. Survivors include daughter, Pamela Ann Schneider, Olmitz, KS, husband Tom, grandchildren Jeff Schneider, wife Sarah, great grandson Noah, Jennifer Schneider and Joel Schneider, wife Krisa; son Patrick LaVon Turner, Rockledge, FL, wife Holly, grandchildren Mason Webernick, great grandson Landon, Chelsea Coleman, husband Jack; and daughter Mary Kathryn Hurd, Perry, KS, husband Kary and grandchildren Abby George, husband Josh and Kameron Hurd. Other survivors include a sister, Helen Marie Froetschner, Larned, KS.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Edwin and Jacob Thomas Schneider, grandson and Claire Schneider, great granddaughter.
Memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers, in Kathleen’s name to: Great Lakes Hospice or Wreaths across America, Fort Leavenworth. Contributions may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com
To Pat, Mary, and Pam: In the 70s I would often visit your home and your mother always greeted me with such warm hospitality. Thinking of your family at this time and wishing the three of you strength.
We will miss Kathleen ( the Kansas Tornado) as she was fondly known to us and her Aunt Rosina. We will miss her stories and her laughter. She was a special person. Our condolences to her family!
Kathleen was such a joy to be around. Loved hearing her laugh when she visited my parents and I happened to be in town.
Both Mom and Dad (Clara and Alvin Ochs) loved Kathleen and Edwin and appreciated their visits.
I will miss her laughter and sharing a song with her. God bless her family. As a cousin I got to spend time with her.
I lost a good friend and Jayhawk fan. Kathleen and I went all through school together and have been close friends ever since. She will be greatly missed.
Wayne Blount
Our saddened condolence form her Uncle J G McCarty and cousins Roger & Jeannette.
I loved getting to know Kathleen better when she came out to California in 2014. It was fun listing to her stories of coming out to CA to visit when grandpa McCarty was still alive. I loved that she always kept in touch with my parents. Will miss her stories
Her compassionate counsel and that wonderful laugh will be missed.
Sorry to hear about Mrs Turners Passing! Prayers and blessings for her and family!
JIm and I are so very sorry for your loss. Kathleen was a wonderful and special woman. She leaves behind an amazing legacy in her family and loved ones.