Leona V. Turner, 91, Malvern

Leona V. Turner, age 91, of Malvern, died June 13, 2009, at Huntington Park Care Center in Papillion, Neb., surrounded by family members. Funeral services were held Friday, June 19, 2009, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Hastings. Pastor Leon Hodges officiated. Interment was in the Malvern Cemetery.

    The third of five children born to Oscar Albert Leu and Louise Olga (Menschel) Leu, she was born Feb. 14, 1918, at her parent’s farm home northeast of Malvern. She was baptized, later confirmed, and became a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Hastings.  Mrs. Turner attended country school at Golden Hill School through the eighth grade and later received her GED High School diploma on May 14, 1979.

    She married Mervin Edward Turner at St. John’s Lutheran parsonage on Oct. 10, 1940.  They lived in Hastings and later made their home in Malvern.  They spent 28 happy years together and were blessed with five children, Ronald Lee, Rosalie Kay, Sharon Jean, Geraldine Ann and Lynn Mervin. Mr. Turner died on May 4, 1968, at the age of 59 years.

    Mrs. Turner was first employed by the Hastings Public School as a cook and then served as a supervisor at the Continent Egg Plant in Malvern. She later was a supervisor in the food service department at the Glenwood State Hospital School until her retirement in December 1982. She continued to live in her home and remain active in her church. She thoroughly enjoyed her family and weeklong reunions held once a year.  She loved to play games.  She fell in her home in 2006 and was unable to return home. She eventually moved to the Huntington Park Care Center.

    Mrs. Turner was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; brother Robert Leu; and sister Esther Raszler. She is survived by her five children, Ronald Turner of Thornton, Colo., Rose McMillen and husband Lowell of Westminister, Calif.; Sharon Larson and husband Jon of Columbia, Mo.; Geri Mann and husband Craig of Yorkville, Ill.; and Lynn Turner of Malvern; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Margaret Mooney of Shenandoah; and Elizabeth Grindle of Malvern; and a host of extended family, nieces, nephews and friends.

    A memorial fund has been established. Mansfield-Hertz Funeral Home of Malvern was in charge of arrangements.