Melba Rose Turner

Melba Rose Richman, 93 years old, died March 12, 2024. Melba was born August 19, 1930, in Neola, Utah, to Elmer John Richman and Florence Morrilla Woodward.
Melba was preceded in death by her parents, 6 brothers, and 3 sister-in-laws:
Alma John Richman (Jeanne Goodrich Richman)
Weldon James Richman
Joseph Arvon Richman
Edwin Garold Richman (Betty Bigelow Richman)
LaMar Jay Richman, (LaJean Neilsen Richman)
Gene Richman
Melba was also preceded in death by 2 granddaughters:
Kirstin and Shirstin Turner
Melba is survived by:
her husband, Jay Austin Turner,
her sister-in-law, Dorothy Beeler Richman,
Her 3 sons:
Kenneth Jay Turner
Ronald E Turner (Karen Beus Turner)
James Lee Turner (Lisa Little Turner)
11 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren.
Melba grew up in Neola, Utah, and later, in Roosevelt, Utah. Melba loved sports and participated in track, basketball, and softball. An interesting event in Melba's life was discovering and recovering dinosaur bones with her father and brothers. They spent an entire summer digging and preserving the dinosaur bones that were later put into the Dinosaur Museum in Vernal, Utah.
In 1950, Melba met Jay Austin Turner at a dance. This was just before Jay entered the Navy to serve in the Korean Conflict. After the dance Jay somehow ended up riding in Melba's new car. From then on they dated and were married December 31, 1951 (New Year's Eve) in Reno, Nevada. Jay was still serving in the Navy at this time. They made their first home in San Diego, California.
Exactly two years after their marriage their first son, Kenneth Jay Turner was born, December 31, 1953. When Jay finished his service in the Navy, they moved to Murray, Utah and then to Kearns, Utah. Here their son, Ronald E. Turner was born May 8, 1957. The following year, 1958, they moved to their new home in Orem, Utah. Jay started his own Heating and Air Conditioning Company the following year, in 1959. In 1963 Jay and Melba were sealed in the Manti Temple. Their 3rd son, James Lee Turner was born January 24, 1964.
Melba served in many different church capacities: the Primary, Young Women's, and Relief Society. In the Primary Melba taught many classes and served in Primary Presidencies. Melba spent many years going to Girls Camp, which she loved. And she loved the young women. Whenever there was a funeral, Melba would help host the family dinners. She most likely holds the record.
Her passion was camping. She and Jay did lots of camping themselves and with kids and grandkids. Melba also loved creating floral arrangements. She helped countless brides create their bouquets and flowers, saving them lots of money. And Melba loved collecting rocks, nut crackers, and bells from all over the world.
She also loved her flower gardens all around her yard. She and Jay worked diligently in their garden and with their fruit trees.
Melba was always busy in the kitchen cooking and baking to feed family and friends and to serve her neighbors. Melba's mother was widowed at an early age and lived with Jay and Melba for 37 years. They looked after her so compassionately.
Melba's later years have been filled with lots of family. She loved visiting with her brothers and sister-in-laws, as well as nieces and nephews, and other family members. They have had many close friends that they dearly love. Melba and Jay love spending time with their children and grandchildren and watching them grow up.
Melba will be missed by all that know her. She lived an honorable life and was richly blessed. We are blessed with the knowledge that we will be reunited once again. Our Savior has made this possible through the Atonement. For this we are eternally grateful.
Funeral Services will be held for Melba Turner, Monday, March 18, 2024, 11:00 am, at the Walker-Sanderson Mortuary, 646 E 800 N, Orem, UT 84097. A viewing will be held at 9:30 am that morning. Internment will be at the Orem City Cemetery following the funeral.