Barbara Turner

When looking back on the overflowing life of Barbara Turner, it is clear to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She was always willing to go above and beyond to care for others, and she poured her heart and soul into her community. Nothing brought Barb greater joy than spending time with her loved ones, no matter how simple the moments. Her faith formed the unshakeable foundation of all that she did, and her insatiable zest for life could be felt by those around her. Forever loved, Barb will be deeply missed.

The Great Depression marks the early years of the 1930s in the United States, causing them to be remembered as a time of great struggle for many. Families across the country pulled together to make ends meet and find a way to thrive in these years of need. During this tumultuous time, however, there was a ray of light for Joseph and Myrtle (Downing) Dauksza of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they eagerly anticipated the arrival of their firstborn. On October 7, 1932, their wait was over, and they welcomed their daughter, Barbara Jean, into the world.

Growing up, Barb was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home alongside her two younger sisters, Virginia and June. Barb’s father, Joseph, supported the family by working at Westside Beer Distribution while her mother, Myrtle, remained at home to care for their children. Barb enjoyed being the “big sister” of the family, and the Dauksza sisters grew to be very close. She and Virginia would play accordions and sing together at social functions. Barb was blessed to have a fun-filled childhood with many family trips to the family farm in Ada and to Big Star Lake in Baldwin. She attended local schools in the Grand Rapids area, including Stocking Elementary School and Union High School. Barb was an excellent student and was at the top of her class throughout her time in high school.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Barbara as she met the man who would quickly become the great love of her life. His name was Robert Turner, and the two first met at a Christmas Eve dinner. There was an instant connection between them. Bob and Barb began dating, and they soon found that their relationship was truly special. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, they were married on March 21, 1953, at St. John’s Evangelical Church, followed by a reception with loved ones at the Elks Country Club. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon to Canada before settling down into their first home on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids, ready to step into their future together as husband and wife.

All who knew Barb can surely agree that, of all the things she loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. She and Bob were overjoyed to welcome their three children, Diana, Joseph, and John, into their hearts and home. Barb thrived in her role as a mother, and she worked hard to juggle raising her children while still maintaining her career. She instilled in her children strong morals and Christian values, and she was always there to support them at every activity or event. Continuing the tradition from Barb’s childhood, the Turner family enjoyed many family camping trips at Big Star Lake. They also formed priceless memories at the family cottage on Pickerel Lake, where they would fish, hike, watch for deer, and gather mushrooms. Later in life, Barb was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and doted on them whenever she could. Barb always considered herself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Barbara was known to lean on her faith in both good times and bad. She was a member of Second Congregational Church, where she loved to sing in the choir. Barb attended a church service every single week. Helping others find a firm Christian foundation was very important to her, and she often taught Sunday School and would make models to use while teaching the children. It was both Barb’s joy and honor to serve those in her church community and in her family in any way she could.

Never one to sit still for long, Barb pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She was very artistic and enjoyed coloring and drawing. Barb sewed and crocheted, and she loved to spend time in the kitchen, canning her own food. She was frugal with what she had and would clip coupons in order to save a little money here and there. Barb and her husband, Bob, were avid golfers, and they were members at Gracewil Country Club. She was a strong supporter of the Grand Rapids Public School system. Following her retirement, Barb was able to enjoy some more traveling with family. She went on a Caribbean cruise and visited various other locations as well, including Disney World, Las Vegas, Maine and the East Coast, Busch Gardens in Virginia, and Canada. Barb loved musicals, concerts, and pop music. She especially enjoyed Andy Williams, Johnny Matthias, and ABBA, and she also had the opportunity to see Julie Andrews, Olivia Newton John, and Josh Groban. Barb was a huge sports fan and loved both the Michigan State University Spartans and the Detroit Red Wings.

As family and friends can certainly attest, Barbara Turner truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and she faced challenges head on with a spirit of fierce determination. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Barb was a friend to many and beloved by all she met. Her primary focus in life was building deep and personal relationships with those around her, and she opened up her arms and heart to anyone and everyone. Though she will be dearly missed, Barb leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Barbara Turner, age 91 of Grand Rapids, passed away on July 15, 2024. Barbara was born on October 7, 1932 in Grand Rapids to the late Joseph and Myrtle (Downing) Dauksza. She was also preceded in death by her husband Robert, and her sisters Virginia Wynalda and June DiGrandi. She is survived by her children Diana (Phillip) Peppler, Joseph (Barb) Turner, John Turner; grandchildren, Bart (Denise) Peppler, Kelly (Lucas) Dent, Katie Razmus, Ben (Katie) Turner, Gina (Shawn) Martin, Gabe (Whitney) Turner; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Sydney, Trenton, Aaron, Jared, Charlie, Mia, Vivian, Sam, Jordan, Elise, Luca, Walter; and several nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held on Sunday July 21 at 1:00 pm at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, with visitation beginning at 12:00 pm, and a luncheon to follow. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association. To read more about Barbara’s life, to sign her guest book, and to leave your own memory of her, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.