Donna Aileen Turner

Donna was born to Leah B. (Pitts) Potter and Dayton A. Potter on February 26, 1925 at her grandmother’s home in Plemons, Texas. Donna often laughed when she told the story of her birth as the doctor who delivered her originally marked her birth certificate as “stillborn”. Her tremendous will to live was shining from the very beginning of her life.

Much of Donna’s childhood was spent on various oil leases in Texas and Kansas as her father worked in the oilfields as a “roughneck” and crew supervisor. Although she grew up during the “great depression” her parents created a world filled with wonder and love. In the summer she swam in the salt water tanks, rode her bike across the prairie and adopted every creature she ever encountered including a one legged chicken. Her love of animals was a lifelong passion. She recited the name and the habits of each pet she ever owned.

Donna married her high school sweetheart, L. “Ray” Turner, December 29, 1942. Their loving 64 year marriage continues to inspire their children and grandchildren.

Immediately following their high school graduation from Amarillo (Texas) High in 1943 Ray joined the US Army Air Corps to serve during WWII. Subsequently, she followed Ray throughout the United States while he did his various training assignments. While this was a very stressful time, Donna discovered her love of travel and adventure.

Donna worked for several years as a manager of a travel camp in Russell, Kansas. She then worked in food service and JC Penney after settling in Greeley, Colorado. Lastly, she finished her career as a school crossing guard. Early on she attended baking classes where she mastered the art of bread making. Her cinnamon rolls baking in the oven became a family highlight and would draw them home from near and far.

After their retirement in 1979, she and Ray embraced the traveling spirit that had ignited for them early on and proceeded to travel throughout the western United States for many years. The grandchildren would join in on the summer camping adventures where Grandma would share campfire stories and songs, and of course a special baked delight. Every spring Donna’s love of gardening blossomed with color filling the yard. She was always generous to share her knowledge of gardening to family and friends alike.

She is survived by son Dayton Ray (Cyndy) Turner of San Antonio, Texas; daughter Debra (Keith) Benson of Greeley, Colorado; grandson Russell Turner, granddaughters Michele Turner, Stacey (Brent) Baldwin, great grandsons Brandon Turner, Keith Andrew (Amanda) Porter, Emmett Baldwin, and great granddaughters Alison Turner, Katelyn Porter.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 7 at Stoddard Funeral Home.

Memorial gifts may be made to Weld County Humane Society or an organization of choice in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 W. 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634.