TURNER, Orpha Bell 1881 - 1960

TURNER, MILLER, GRIMSLEY, COOK

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 10/30/2011 at 21:13:59

"The Fairfield Ia. Ledger"
Friday, April 15, 1960
Page 8, Column 4

Orpha B. TURNER, Prominent In Club Work, Dies

Orpha B. TURNER, 78, long-time resident of Fairfield and prominent in local club and lodge work, passed away at the Nelson Nursing home at 6 a.m. this morning following an illness of several months. Her home was at 61½ S. Court.

She was born Aug. 1, 1881, in Leando, Van Buren county, the daughter of John W. and Ida B. MILLER GRIMSLEY. She suffered a polio attack when nine months old. Her parents left the farm and moved to Fairfield for medical care. She spent practicaly her entire life in this community.

She was a member of the class of 1900 at the Fairfield high school. She left school in her senior year to accept employment with Frank Wolfe, editor and publisher of the Fairfield Daily Journal at that time. There she found her life's work.

She was married to William H. COOK on Nov. 15, 1900. He was a printer and they managed both the Stockport News and Ollie Observer.

She was later married to Albert C. TURNER on March 28, 1908. The both preceded her in death. Mrs. TURNER served as deputy auditor for Jefferson county while her husband was auditor for 15½ years, all the time keeping up her news work.

She has also been identified with the Ottumwa Courier, Burlington Hawkeye, Burlington Hawkeye Gazette, International News Service, Associated Pess, United Press, and radio stations WMT and KMCD.

Mrs. TURNER was a charter member of the Evergreen Lodge, Degree of Honor Protective association; she was a 50-year member of Hawkeye Rebekah Lodge No. 386; a long-time member of the Eastern Star and Pythian Sisters; a charter member of the Star of Bethlehem Shrine No. 44, White Shrine of Jerusalem. She organized the local chapter of the BPW here on Oct. 10, 1928, and was a member of the Women's club.

When seven years of age she began attending Sunday school at the First Lutheran church and was confirmed later. She wrote the history of the church for its Diamond anniversary and also for the Centennial booklet. She had a booklet of her original poems printed in 1958.

Mrs. TURNER is survived by one son, Harry W. COOK, of Youngstown, Ohio, and a number of other relatives.

The body is at the Raymond funeral home where last rites are pending.

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"The Fairfield Ia. Ledger"
Saturday, April 16, 1960
Page 8, Column 4

TURNER Funeral Tentatively Set For Next Monday

Last rites for Orpha TURNER, long-time resident of Fairfield who died yesterday, have been tentatively set for Monday, April 18.

Friends may call the Raymond funeral home for the time and place of services.

Mrs. TURNER was a member of several lodges and organizations in Fairfield including the W.R.C. She also served as deputy auditor for Jefferson county for a number of years.

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"The Fairfield Ia. Ledger"
Monday, April 18, 1960
Page 8, Column 4

Rites Today For Mrs. TURNER, 78

Funeral services for Mrs. Orpha B. TURNER, 78m, were held this afternoon at the First Lutheran church. Mrs. TURNER, who spent nearly all of her life in Fairfield, died last Friday at the Nelson Nursing home.

Services were conducted by the Rev. Harold Kruger. Burial was in Evergreen cemetery.

Mrs. TURNER was active in local club and lodge work. She also served as a news correspondent for many newspapers and radio stations.

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Fairfield, with second husband Albert, in Lot 3rd.066½.