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Surrounded by generations of nieces and nephews, Nancy Kay Turner passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026.
Nancy was born on August 31, 1944, in Morton, Washington, the youngest child in the Turner family. She spent most of her childhood in Chehalis before moving to Tacoma during her high school years to live with her sister, Bea, and her family. Nancy graduated from St. Leo’s Catholic High School, where she embraced the Catholic faith that would remain an important part of her life.
Following graduation, Nancy dedicated herself to serving others. She worked at St. Anne’s Orphanage and, in 1966, moved to Omak, Washington, where she served as a room mother at St. Mary’s Mission. These experiences sparked a lifelong commitment to helping disadvantaged youth and set the foundation for a meaningful career in juvenile rehabilitation.
Nancy began her professional career as a Group Life Counselor at Maple Lane School. Her compassion, coupled with her straightforward, no-nonsense approach to accountability, earned her the respect of both colleagues and youth in her care. She advanced through the ranks to become a supervisor and later a Cottage Director. Nancy mentored staff and students alike, always offering encouragement, practical wisdom, a good sense of humor, and, when needed, a heartfelt “good talking-to.” In her later years, she worked in community-based programs and served as a regional parole officer until her retirement.
After medically retiring, Nancy discovered a passion for travel. Alongside many dear friends and travel companions, she explored destinations around the world including Iceland, Ukraine and all over Europe and Asia. Her favorite adventure was an African safari. She didn’t leave the United States out- she traveled much of the country here too including a river cruise. Nancy loved photography and found joy in capturing the beauty of the people and places she encountered.
Nancy was deeply involved in her community and was an active member of numerous organizations, including Altrusa, the Elks, the Eagles, and Moose International, where she held a lifetime membership. She enjoyed a vibrant social life and treasured the many friendships she built throughout the years. Nancy loved to host dinners at her home. Her specialties were crab sandwiches and razor clams (she enjoyed a good dig on many occasions). And, once berry season hit- you could find Nancy making gallons upon gallons of jam- most of which was always shared with others. Above all, Nancy valued her family. She maintained close relationships with her siblings and shared a special bond with her nieces and nephews, a connection that grew to include generations of great-nieces and great-nephews.
Nancy was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Turner; her siblings, Howard Turner, Glen Turner, Peg Fontan, Bea Clark, and Betty Morris; and her dear friend, Helen Peterson.
She is survived by her brother, Ralph Turner and his wife, Kitty, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews whose lives were enriched by her love, guidance, and generosity.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, 225 N. Washington Avenue, Centralia, Washington, at 10:00 a.m. on June 30, 2026. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for a “Hoop-Da-La” at noon at the Moose Lodge, 1400 Grand Avenue, Centralia.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Kids Kloset, c/o Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1209 N. Scheuber Road, Centralia, WA 98531.
Nancy’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her service, friendship, unwavering honesty, and love for family.
