Marie M. Turnidge passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 95 with family around. She was born on November 3, 1924 in Redding, California to James and Madge (Maloney) Lutman. She was the 3rd youngest of ten.
Marie spent her childhood in Grants Pass, Oregon until age 17 and then moved to Salem. She worked for Oregon’s School for the Blind and lived with the Director, Walter Dry and his wife Lew. During that time she attended secretarial school and did part time waitressing at a café.
At that time she met Dale Turnidge, a peppermint farmer from Jefferson, Oregon and on July 20, 1944, they married in Salem, Oregon. They resided in the Jefferson area for over 30 years, where they owned and farmed peppermint and Marion bluegrass. Marie was an integral part in supporting the farm. She would lend a hand when needed, such as moving irrigation pipe, hoeing the fields, driving the tractors and cooking for the farm hands. Her greatest joy in life was raising her children and being involved in their school activities and extended family. It was during that time she honed her cooking, canning, sewing, crocheting and knitting skills.
In 1975, they moved to Salem, Oregon where she enjoyed her retirement years and caring for extended family. She also volunteered at the Salem Hospital Library. Marie enjoyed motor home traveling, fishing and flying with her family. Her other great interests were cross stitch, puzzles and Christmas!
She is predeceased by her husband Dale; and her son Alan.
Marie is survived by her children, Linda Turnidge and Louise Turnidge (Alan’s wife); step-daughter Joan Turnidge; grandchildren, Ashley (Adam) Heck, Amber (Michael) Borracchini, Austin Turnidge, and Susan (Dan) Crandall; great-grandchildren David and Jonathan; and her beloved Westie, Lilly.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen at 1350 Commercial St. SE, Salem, OR 97302. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Salvation Army and the Boys and Girls Club.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hed-fh.com for the Turnidge family.
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