Phyllis Pearl Turpin

Phyllis Pearl Turpin, age 90, of Naytahwaush, MN, died on Saturday, May 10, 2014, at the Mahnomen Health Center, Mahnomen, MN. Phyllis was born on March 21, 1924, in Naytahwaush to Nelson Daniel Bunker and Flora Winnie Bunker. She married William C. Turpin on October 10, 1942, and they were blessed with seven children; Beverly, Gayle, Cheryl, Corrine, William, Teri and Lori. Her husband William (Bill) died on April 17, 2005, and her son, William, Jr. (Billy) died on August 13, 2007. Phyllis worked several jobs caring for children and elders, including 26 years as a teacher’s aide and bus driver at the Naytahwaush School. She also worked at the Rodwell Nursing Home and the Naytahwaush Sewing Factory. Phyllis was very artistic and was known for her decorated yard and loved making every holiday beautiful. She enjoyed working in her flower and vegetable gardens. Phyllis loved to go camping with her family and friends, was an avid snowmobiler and loved 4-wheeling. She could also be seen regularly at various events, cheering on her children and grandchildren at football and basketball games and snowmobile races. She was notorious for playing practical jokes on friends and family, and also loved dressing up in costumes and making you guess who it was under the mask. She enjoyed life and was always laughing. Phyllis is survived by her sister, Corrine Roe, her daughters; Beverly (Edward) Turner, Gayle Turpin, Cheryl Turpin-Gettel, Corrine (Perry) Bellefeuille, Teri Gieseke and Lori (Ron) Bailey; 15 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, Nelson D. and Flora W. Bunker, her husband, William C. Turpin (Bill), her son, William N. Turpin (Billy), her brothers; Ralph, Lloyd, Nelson (Bunky), and Richard (Dicky) Bunker; her two granddaughters; Sheri Wadena and Billie Jo Straub, and her great grandson, Justin Wadena. She lived an amazing and inspiring life and will be greatly missed by family and friends. Blessed be the memory of Phyllis Turpin. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2014, at Samuel Memorial Episcopal Church in Naytahwaush. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2014, at 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will be at Free Gospel Alliance Cemetery in Naytahwaush.

Phyllis Pearl Turpin

March 21, 1924 - May 10, 2014