Clara Fern Turner

August 30, 1924 - February 05, 2018

Clara Fern Turner Obituary (Age 93) Clara Fern Turner passed away February 5, 2018 in Spokane, WA. She was born on August 30, 1924 in Aberdeen, WA to Avery Madison Rice and Pearl Ivy Rice. She was raised in Aberdeen and was the Valedictorian of her graduating class at Aberdeen High School. Clara Fern was the youngest of 11 children and was the only family member to complete a Bachelors degree from Northwest Christian College in Eugene, OR where she was also Valedictorian of her graduating class. She married Rev. Teddy E. Turner on June 20, 1947; they enjoyed 65 years together. She served congregations with him in Indiana, Idaho, Washington, Arizona and Alaska, retiring in Spokane, WA. Clara Fern was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend and mentor to all whose paths she crossed. She enjoyed classical music, was a voracious reader, and had a keen and sharp intellect up to her final days. Clara Fern was a kind and gracious spirit, and kept an unending positive attitude, even through the most difficult times. Clara Fern was a member of St. Johns Cathedral; Amnesty International; United Nations Association; and served on state boards in Washington, Idaho, Indiana and Arizona for Church Women United; she also volunteered in literacy work for many years. Clara Fern is survived by her daughter, Stephanie (Wong) Soon of Heyworth, IL; son, Winston (Lisa) Turner of Indianapolis, IN; eight grandchildren, Sarah Duncan, Stephen (Anna) Duncan, Jennifer (Sean) Brown, Meredith (Mehul) Patel, Nathan (S.O. Amanda) Turner, Melinda (Kyle) Jordine, John Soon, and Benjamin (Sierra) Soon; as well as great-grandchild Scarlet Jordine. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Teddy E. Turner on November 29, 2012; parents, Avery and Pearl Rice; brothers, Ralph, Clyde, Mage, and Charley Rice; and sisters, Ada, Edna, Lora, Vera, Dora and Dolcia. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 10th at 10am at Heritage Funeral Home, with viewing from 9am to 10am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rockwood Residents Foundation, 2903 E. 25th Ave., Spokane, WA 99223; Parkinsons Resource Center of Spokane, 910 W. 5th Ave. Suite 256, Spokane, WA 99204; or Christian Theological Seminary, Attn: Turner Scholarship Fund, 1000 W. 42nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46208.