Martha Lee Peters Turner

Martha Lee Peters Turner, 80 was born on November 11, 1934 in Willow Springs, Missouri to Ora and Velma Peters. She had one older sister Carolyn Ellen who died at a young age and one younger sister Louretta Kay. The Peters family moved to Firebaugh when Martha was 12. She attended Dos Palos High School where she graduated in 1952. While in high school Martha and her family attended Grace and Truth Tabernacle Church in Kerman, CA where she caught the eye of Mr. Evert Turner. The two wrote many letters to one another while Evert was serving in the U.S. Navy overseas. While stationed in the Philippines, Evert bought Martha a ring and sent it home along with a proposal. Soon after on July 18, 1953 Martha became Mrs. Evert Albert Turner.

Evert and Martha had three children of their own two daughters and one son. Their first daughter, Susan Diane, was born on June 22, 1955. Their son, Daniel Leland, was born on July 17, 1958 and their baby girl, Lesa Kay, was born on November 9, 1962. The Turners were now a family of 5 and Martha happily stayed at home to raise their children. In 1969 they settled in the small town of Coalinga, CA where Martha loved to serve her church and community.

Martha had a servant’s heart and joyfully served her church and was a proud member of Coalinga Assembly of God where she taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, Missionettes, and was a member of the Women’s Ministry Council. But of all the ways in which she served, none brought her more joy then when she was in the church kitchen cooking for many, if not all church social events. Whether you saw her or not, Martha had a hand in most every meal. And boy could she make a meal!

Martha took hospitality to heart and showed the love of Christ to others by opening her home to them when needed. Whether it be a warm bed or a hot meal, Martha was eager to offer her home. Many times the Turner’s had Teen Challenge participants over for dinner or missionaries staying in their home while visiting the US. Some of these missionaries have become like family.

Her involvement in the church provided some of Martha’s many good friends through the years. It was her fellowship with women like Necia Work, Marilyn Tarvin, Judy Brock and Patsy Wood (to name a few) that brought much laughter and delight that only good friends can bring.

In her pastime, you could find Martha in her kitchen cooking a delicious meal for her loved ones or crocheting or quilting one of her many blankets. Her family cherished the meals she prepared for them and the warmth her blankets provided. She also loved to hit the road and travel with her hubby. Evert and Martha were known for their road trips, visiting places like Missouri, Texas, South Dakota, Florida, Oklahoma, Iowa, Canada, Montana, Arizona and Minnesota (to name a few).

Martha was not only a mother, but became a grandmother of ten (Eric, Samuel, Jennifer, Carrie, Aaron, Lynnette, Valarie, Sarah, Danielle and Christy) as well as a great-grandmother of twelve (Andrew, Blake, Thomas, Noah, Holden, Selah, Kaylynn, Emma, Jace, Logan, Bradley and Luke).

Martha and Evert were married 62 happy years. In those 62 years they revealed what a marriage founded on Christ looks like to those close to them, shining examples to their children and grandchildren of loyal everlasting love. Evert was by her side when she went to be with Jesus on September 3, 2015.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2015 from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. at People’s Funeral Chapel; 501 N. Douty Street, Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 584-5591 with a Funeral Service on Friday, September 11, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Riverdale Assembly of God Church; 2813 W. Mt. Whitney, Riverdale, CA 93230 and Burial following at Grangeville Cemetery; 10428 14th Avenue, Armona, CA 93202.

Family and Friends are invited to view Martha’s legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and send condolences to the family.

Services are under the direction of People’s Funeral Chapel.

PEOPLE’S FUNERAL CHAPEL

501 N. Douty Street

Hanford, CA 93230

559-584-5591

www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com