Buenaventura "Ben" Sazon Turla

Buenaventura Sazon Turla, known to many as “Ben”, passed away on April 12, 2026, at the age of 88 years old. Ben was a beloved husband, father, Lolo (grandfather), brother, uncle, and friend. He lived with quiet strength and an unwavering faith that shaped everything he did. His devotion to God guided his life, and his love for his family was constant, generous, and deeply felt. He was a man of true humility, never seeking recognition, yet leaving a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. We witnessed his faith not just in what he believed, but in how he served others with kindness, patience, and grace. He taught us that a life well lived is one grounded in love, faithfulness, compassion, and generosity.

Ben was born on July 13, 1937, in Pampanga, Philippines. He was the third eldest of nine children to Alfredo and Salome Turla. Ben graduated from Far Eastern University in Manila with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and was an Accountant for 50 years. He married the love of his life, Gloria Bituin, on January 7, 1968, and they had three children, Nelson, Marissa, and Corie.

He worked for United Drug Company in the Philippines until he immigrated to the United States in 1976 and settled in Seattle, Washington along with his mother, brothers, and sister. His wife and three children followed him a year later in 1977. He worked at Seattle Opportunities Industrial Center (SOIC) for eight years and City of Seattle for 20 years until his retirement in 2008. His retirement years were spent volunteering at St. Peter’s Church, meeting friends for lunch in Chinatown, cooking his favorite Filipino dishes, watching The Filipino Channel, following the Seattle Mariners, playing slot machines at the casino, and most importantly spending time with his four grandchildren: Benjamin, Estella, Jacob, and Talissa. His grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life and they adored him.

Ben is survived by his son Nelson Turla (Tovee); daughters Marissa Turla and Corie Turla-Devera (Arturo); grandchildren Benjamin Devera, Estella Turla, Jacob Turla, and Talissa Devera; brothers Rodolfo Turla (Beth) and Pamfilo Turla (Dory); his only sister Corazon Guanlao (Steve); sisters-in-law Andring Turla, Linda Turla, and Aurora Turla; and numerous nephews and nieces in Washington, California, and Philippines. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Gloria; parents Alfredo and Salome; brothers Antonio, Jose, Feliciano, Alfredo Jr., and Pedro; and nephew Enrique.

A vigil will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Greenwood Memorial Park in Renton. The Rosary will begin at 6:30 p.m.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Seattle. Burial will follow Mass at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Seattle, Washington.