Lee Renee Turner

Lee was born on July 18, 1971 to Judith Richard and Terry Toms in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. She graduated from Truman High school and later received an Associates degree in early childhood education, in the top of her class from Kansas City Kansas Community College.

She started her preschool teaching career at Tots and Tales Montessori school, continued at Peppermint Patty’s daycare, and spent her last nine years at Little Tots Montessori school as a teacher and director until her early retirement in October 2025, due to her illness.

Lee was preceded in death by her father Terry Toms. She is survived by her husband Steve Turner of Kansas City, Kansas; daughter Cheyenne Turner (Kristina) and grandson Acyn Gossett of Leavenworth, Kansas; three stepdaughters Kristen Turner (Cody), Sara Turner, and KateLynn Applington (Kevin), as well as 11 other grandchildren, all of Nowata, Oklahoma; her mother Judith Kraus (Kenneth) of Harrisonville, Missouri; sisters Gabrielle Deck (Shane) of Grandview, Missouri and Elisabeth Sherwood (Wesley) of Payson, Arizona, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and her great nephew, Xyaire King, who held a special place in her heart.

Lee will always be remembered for her kindness, self-dedication and genuine love for each of the children she taught over the years. She made a difference in their lives daily and impacted them with her positivity. She taught her students to “be kind, work hard and take pride”.

Lee was under the care of Catholic Community Hospice for the last few weeks, prior to her death.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 10am to 12pm at Chapel Hill funeral home at 701 N. 94th St, Kansas City, Kansas 66112.