Iris J. Turner, 92, a former longtime Marblemount area resident, passed away on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at the Sharon Care Adult Family Home in Chehalis.
She was born on May 6, 1918 in Orofino, Idaho, the daughter of William & Ina (Oakes) Pyatt.
Iris was raised in Idaho, Western Oregon and Western Montana.
On February 23, 1935 she was united in marriage to Francis Turner in Thompson Falls, Montana and they made their home until moving to Marblemount, WA in 1945, where they made their home for 50 years.
Iris was an active community member and her life revolved around her home, school where she was a cook, the Assembly of God Church where she taught Sunday school, and was treasurer and led group prayer meetings. Iris, along with other women from the church mentored many and did weekly and monthly home visits with people that needed help or just to let them know that they were important to them and to God. Iris would say, “I want people to know I was sincere, pleasant and was faithful to my beliefs.” Many people knew she cared about them and wished each one to know God as she did.
In 1995 she moved to Chehalis, residing at the Woodland Estates, an active retirement center, where she was a group leader of Bible discussions, took painting classes, wrote stories for the Scribblers Club, attended the Napavine Assembly of God Church and helped with women’s ministries. She also enjoyed the music and organized sing alongs.
Her loving family would like to say “there’s nothing better than having a Mother that prayed for them, committed her life to being faithful and standing up for what she knew was right.”
Iris was preceded in death by her parents, William & Ina Viola Pyatt; her husband, Francis; granddaughter, Cathy Cuthbert; 2 brothers, Allen & William Pyatt; her sister, Betty Peterson and her son-in-law, Don McLeod
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Ina McLeod, of Chehalis, WA, Stella & Ken Cuthbert of Rockport, WA, Arvilla & Earl Bowen of La Center, WA, Rolland & Rebecca Turner of Chehalis, WA and Maynard & Christel Turner of Arizona; a sister-in-law, June Reynolds and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at the Forest Park Cemetery in Concrete on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 1:00 PM with Reverend Rolland Turner officiating. A fellowship will follow at the Concrete Assembly of God Church.
Services are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. A Life Celebration will be held at the Napavine Assembly of God Church, 414 – 7th Ave E., Napavine, WA on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 1:00 PM.
The family suggests memorials be made to the North Cascades Community Church in Marblemount.
I want to express my sympathy to Stella and her family. I mixed up the dates of the 12th and the 19th, so accidently missed the service on the 12th. I apologize deeply. I almost cried last night when I was corrected about my dates mix up! I have prepared a card and will send more thoughts in the card. My thoughts are with you.
Love, Deanna
To The Turner family
My heart is with you all at this time. The loss is a great one. God’s blessing and prayers to you. Joan
Stella and Family,
Iris touched so many lives. For me as a little girl going to church, she was always there on the right back pew as a pillar of our church. When I came back for a visit and walked in, she had moved away, a sadness hit me. Another way she touched me is with a patchwork quilt she made for Richie when he was born. It was his favorite. For 33 years I have kept the blanket for his first born. Now when I hold her in this blanket, I will tell her about the beautiful lady who made it. I will always be able to see the twinkle in her eyes and hear her laughter. Iris is home now with all our loved ones. My prayers are with you all.
To the Turner Family
Sorry to hear of Iris’s passing. We Toppy and I were friends of Stella when we all worked in the 1950’s at Northern State Hospital . We spent may times at their famly home in Marblemount. Iris was a very loving person and very dedicated to the Lord. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this time.
Toppy and Sonny Brigge
Tippy and Wayne Latham
To the Turner Family:
Sorry to hear of your loss.She lived a long and fruitful life and was a good support to many people. We Toppy and Tippy remember all the times we were at the family home in Marblemount with Stella and family as we all worked At Northern State Hospital in Sedro Woolley as young adults.
May our thoughts and prayers be with you at this time,
The Sonny Brigge’s and Wayne Lathams.
Stella, Roland and family, Sorry to see this about your mom.. It’s always tough when you lose a parent. Our thoughts are with you all.
Keith and Joann Gardinier