Monday, November 2, 2009

Memories of Grandma Turnbow

Over the last couple of days I have thought a lot about my Grandma Turnbow and all the things we did together.

As a look back, to me, she was the “story book” Grandma. She was the one that whenever we went her house there was home-made cookies in the cookie jar, she loved to sew and garden, and it was where the family always gathered.

I remember when we sold our house on Crowley. We rented a house across from Grandma and Grandpa. I was not happy to move, but enjoyed being able to walk across the street and visit with them. When Tallene and I started school we made sure that we went and showed Grandma our new outfits before headed off to school.

Sundays were always a favorite day for us kids, because it meant that we were able to go visit Grandparents. Sometimes we would call up our cousins first, then convince our parents that we needed to go see Grandma and Grandpa. It usually worked, even if they knew what we were doing.

I have never sewed much but, Grandma taught me much of what I know. One Christmas Grandma gave Michelle Andrus (Clark) and me both the material to make our own doll blanket. She told us that we could each set up time to come over and she would help teach us how to sew the blanket. I still have my favorite doll wrapped up and put away safe in that blanket.

When I was in Young Women’s for one of my goals I decided to help Grandma with her flowers. That summer I shopped to help pick them out, planted them, and then would come over to help her weed them. Times spent with just her and me were always great.

Grandma and Grandpa always came to all of my band concerts throughout Jr. High and High School. To almost all of our Birthday parties and we had the pleasure of getting to see them and show of our Christmas presents. I enjoyed hearing everything about trips they went on and there experiences in life.

I will always remember the large parties at Grandma’s house for Thanksgiving, the 4th of July breakfast, and the Christmas party.



Here is the obituary that was in the paper, I think it was done very well.

Norene Turnbow, 75, of Ammon, died October 23, 2009 at her home. She was under the care of Hospice Alliance.

She was born May 25, 1934 in Park City, UT to Ira and Stella Mae Rees Tree. She moved to Coalville, UT, and graduated from North Summit High School in 1952.

She married Keith Clem Turnbow on August 14, 1952 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They have lived in Ammon for the past 40 years.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

She was also a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.

Norene was a volunteer Pink Lady at the Idaho Falls Hospital for 20 years, as well as a volunteer at the Idaho Falls Surgical Center.

She enjoyed gardening, sewing, quilting, giving readings, and traveling to visit children and grandchildren.

Mom always had a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. She set an example of giving, service and faith for her family and friends.

Norene is survived by her husband Keith Turnbow of Ammon; daughter, Dana Andrus of Peoria, Arizona; son, Gordon Turnbow (Shelley) of Idaho Falls; daughter, Lorraine Glade (Bruce) of Minneapolis, MN; son, Wayne Turnbow (Marilyn) of Centennial, CO; son, Floyd Turnbow (Liz) of Teton, ID; daughter, Susan Howard (Bill) of Tooele, UT; son, Roger Turnbow (Frankie) of Hickory, NC; son, Brian Turnbow (Angela) of Salt Lake City, UT; daughter, Maria Webster (Ray) of Idaho Falls, ID; 29 grandchildren, and 41 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her son Paul Keith Turnbow.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 30, 2009, at the Ammon LDS 10th Ward Chapel 4375 E. Sunnyside Rd with Bishop David Hurst officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2009 at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. Idaho Falls, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place in the Ammon Cemetery, in Ammon, Idaho. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com

I was asked once to write down someone I looked up to, my response was my Grandma Turnbow. Even in the last few years of her life, when she was diagnosed with cancer, she never had a bad thing to say. She was strong, loving, and lived life to the fullest.

I will not soon forget the last time I spent with just Grandma and me. On October 13th Tallene and I met at Grandma’s house to dig up the bulbs that we had marked earlier in the year. By the time I arrived, Tallene who forgot what time I was off work, was already done and heading out. I got my flowers from her, went to find Grandpa, and then we headed in the house. I was able to visit with Grandma for about an hour before I had to leave. It was nice to just sit and talk about varies things that were happening.

Grandma Turnbow I Love You and will miss you, but know that I will see you again someday. So I will not say good-bye, just see you soon.

2 comments:

Marsha said...

Michelle, that was a wonderful post. Having just lost a grandmother too, I hope I can understand a little bit of what you are going through. Aren't good memories so important!!

-Des- said...

What beautiful words about your grandma! Sounds like she meant a lot to you and helped shape you into the caring person you are. I'm sorry for your loss but very happy you're remembering the times you spent together. Take care.