Neva Sharlene Turner, 76, LaHarpe, died Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, at Windsor Place in Iola.
Neva was born April 16, 1939, in Howard, the daughter of Harold Robert and Sharlene Elizabeth (Glen) Batemon. She grew up in the Iola area and worked cleaning house and babysitting for Betty Womack.
On June 13, 1955, Neva married Lloyd Wayne Turner in Carlyle. They made their home in Wichita before returning to Iola when Wayne entered the Navy. She made her home following his Navy training as the family was growing in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island and Virginia.
In 1959 Wayne was discharged from the Navy and they moved to Wichita and continued relocating following his pipeline construction career in Missouri, Wisconsin, Iowa and Kansas. They made their home in Gas before moving to LaHarpe 41 years ago. She was proud to have been the “First Lady of LaHarpe” while her husband served as mayor and on the LaHarpe City Council for 27 years. Over the years, Neva worked at Miller’s Dress Factory, IMP Boats, Columbia Metal and Tramec as well as being a homemaker. She enjoyed her chihuahuas, reading romance novels, yardwork, camping, fishing and working bird puzzles.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Lloyd Wayne Turner of the home, three children, Linda S. Turner, Debra K. Keithly and Darrall “Joseph” Turner, all of Iola; two sisters, Karen Fudge, LaHarpe, and Betty Newton, McClouth; four grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
She was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, Frankie Keithly.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the Colony Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Allen County Hospice and may be left with Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. To leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.
Neva Turner
