Loretta J. Turner

Loretta Josephine (Phlieger) Turner of Quinter, KS departed this world to be with her Lord & Savior on April 8, 2024, in Salina, KS at the age of 87.
Loretta was born on October 8, 1936, on a farm in rural Quinter to Mike and Rosina (Waldman) Phlieger. She attended Harmony Country School, Immaculate Conception Convent in Great Bend, Kansas, and Quinter High School for her senior year, graduating in 1955. She married her high school sweetheart Wesley Turner, also of Quinter, on September 24, 1955, at St. Michael's Church in Collyer. They celebrated 65 wonderful years of marriage together before he passed away in October 2020.
Wes and Loretta moved to Hays shortly after their marriage, where Wes enrolled at Fort Hays State. The young family moved back to Quinter, eventually opening a new business - B&W Packing, later Turner's Locker - at 4th and Main. They raised seven children while working full-time at the Locker. During this time Loretta studied calligraphy and became a master calligrapher. She used her calligraphy skills, writing letters for the Hefner's that were delivered via pony express during the many years Wagon's Ho existed. She also baked pies for the local sale barn. Loretta did the calligraphy for the senior panels at Quinter High School for a few decades. Her talent and creativity extended to taking painting classes in Colby and she painted and gave each one of her children one of her paintings. In 1999, Loretta began working at the Gove County Treasurer's Office until she retired.
While they still owned the Locker, they joined Amway (1977). They traveled extensively around the country as they built their new business and made many new friends along the way and were able to take several cruises to Mexico and the Caribbean. In May 2001 they traveled to Odessa, Ukraine as part of NDSU's Journey to the Homeland tour: Germany and Ukraine. They visited the Black Sea villages of Loretta's German ancestors, as well as touring through parts of Germany, France, Austria, and Italy.
Her faith was a big part of her life and she was often referred to as a "saint" by friends and family.
Loretta is survived by her seven adoring children; Terry Turner of Parker, CO, Kristy (Randy) Gerhardt of Salina, Karla (Rick ) Murray of Goodland, Wayne Turner of Tampa, FL, Tom Turner of Aurora, CO, Steve Turner (Rinni) of Philadelphia, PA, Levi (Debra) Turner of Iola, TX; grandchildren Cassie Murray (Spencer Windell), Hailey Murray (Joe Yarbrough), Meghan Turner, Michael Turner, Brogan Turner; great-grandchildren Jayden Murray, Brinley, Presley, and Emberley Windell; Ryker Murray, Brylee and Karlee Yarbrough; loving sister Annetta Phlieger; nieces and nephews Kathy Hawks, Jeri Lewis, Sandra Yowell, Janice Phlieger, Carol Perry, Kathy Alley, Karen Pullins, Mark, Jim, Bryan and Tom Fitzpatrick, Ray Turner, Lynn Bolen, Jan Sartee, Michael Phlieger, Shawnda Osborn; sisters-in-law Louise Hisey, Gladys Turner, Sharon Phlieger, Pat Kaldahl,
She was preceded in death by her husband Wesley Turner; parents Michael and Rosina (Waldman) Phlieger, siblings Norbert Phlieger, Armella Marie Phlieger, Renelda Fitzpatrick, Alvin Phlieger, Gilbert Phlieger; nephews Russell Yowell, Donald Yowell, Brad Hisey, Randall Turner; sisters-in-law Twila Yowell, Peg Phlieger, Irene Turner, Joan Phlieger; brothers-in-law Leo Fitzpatrick, Don Yowell, Galen Hisey, Max Turner, and Roland Turner.
Visitation will be on Friday, April 19 from 5 to 7 pm at Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter, KS.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 10:30 am at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Collyer, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Michael's Church or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S. Main, Quinter, KS 67752.
Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book.