Marion Turner

Marian Ross Turner, 98 died at home on December 6, 2006. She was born May 17, 1908 on a farm in Covert Township. When she was 5 years old, her parents, G. Carroll Ross and Nellie Robinson Ross moved the family to South Haven, where her father operated the South Haven Creamery and served as City Clerk.

Marian graduated from South Haven High School in 1926 and received her bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College in 1930. Unable to find a teaching job after college, she worked as a clerk for the Tri County Telephone Company in South Haven. She moved to Chicago to attend business school and work as a secretary with two different law offices. It was there that she met her husband James. They were married in South Haven in January 1936 and returned to live in Chicago. In 1942, they moved back to South Haven. Marian found her true calling as a caseworker with the Michigan Department of Social Services. During her 35 years of service there, she touched the lives of many people, both clients and co-workers. In 1973, William Milliken presented her with the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service.

Her community involvement included Cub Scout Den Mother, Camp Fire Board and South Haven Community Orchestra. She was a member of the First Congregational Church UCC since 1918 and a charter member of the local chapter of the American Association of University Women. She volunteered her time helping children with motor skills at Lincoln School and at the coffee shop in the South Haven Hospital. Marian participated in a weekly bridge group and enjoyed pinochle games with her sisters.

She is survived by her son; William (Kay) Turner of Eagle, Michigan, one daughter; Cynthia (Glen Miller) Turner of Traverse City, Michigan and a daughter-in-law; Harriet Turner of Lincoln, Nebraska, 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Two very good friends, Bob and Theresa Hammond of South Haven also survive her. She was preceded in death by her husband; James F. Turner and her son; James R. Turner and her sisters; Virginia Ross and Edith (Charles) Marshall.

On Marian’s behalf, the family would like to thank Mobile Meals of South Haven and South Haven Hospital’s Private Duty for the many services they provided.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, December 23, 2006 at 2:00 PM at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home with Rev. Jeffrey S. Dick officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Al-Van Humane Society and Congregational Church