Sharon Turner

Sharon Lee (Wheatley) Turner, was born January 26, 1954. She departed this world to meet her Lord and Savior on September 3, 2013, her 41st anniversary with her husband, Rex Turner, both of Durango, Colorado. Following a courageous second battle with cancer, Sharon left planet earth peacefully, without pain, at home and in the presence of family members. Sharon was born in Cheltenham, England, the firstborn of LeRoy and Marjorie Whealey while her father was stationed in the USAF in Britain. Following her father's Air Force duties, the family settled back home in the farming community close to Adair, Iowa. Following Sharon's mother's death from cancer, Sharon, at age 10, helped her father with farm chores and assisted in raising four younger siblings during a very difficult time period. Sharon was very active in high school, receiving many scholastic and elective offices and was honored to be voted the Homecoming Queen. Following graduation, Sharon married her high school sweetheart, Rex Turner, also of Adair, IA, on September 3, 1972. The love of Sharon's life was her faith, her family and friends. Sharon is survived by her husband, Rex, her daughter, Brooke Grangard and son-in-law, Richard and beloved grandson, Benjamin of China, as well as son, Shane Turner and daughter-in-law, Karis, of Austin, Texas. In addition survivors include parents, LeRoy and Shirley Wheatley, sister, Jane Vorrath, brothers, Randy Wheatley, Ron Wheatley, Rick Wheatley, Reggie Wheatley and Ryan Wheatley all from Adair, Iowa, as well as sisters Leslie Gehling from Runnells, Iowa and Carmen Carlentine from Fort Worth, Texas. She will also be missed by many nephews and nieces that were very dear to her. Sharon, known for an infectious smile and a unique laugh would light up a room with her presence. Sharon had a loving passion for Christian missions, especially for work in China and orphanages in India and the Philippines. Sharon was active in leadership at New Hope Durango Church and various other ministries. Her family and friends will dearly miss her but rejoice in knowing she fought the good fight and finished the race with joy. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 10:30 A.M. in Durango at The River Church, 860 Plymouth Drive. Pastor Dana Holman, of New Hope, will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, Sharon requested donations be made to support mission efforts in China and India, in care of New Hope Church, 361 South Camino Del Rio #212, Durango, CO, 81301.