Laura Kathleen (King) Turnbull

Laura Kathleen (King) Turnbull, 89 of Pawnee City, Nebraska passed away on Friday, February 17, 2023, with her family at her bedside at  Premier Estates, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  She was born on January 30, 1934, to Archer and Mildred (Atkinson) King in Pawnee City, Nebraska.

Laura grew up in Pawnee County, she graduated from Pawnee City High School in 1951.  She attended Peru College for three summers in 1951, 1952 & 1953.  She then taught for three years at Violet Country School.

Laura married Richard William Turnbull on August 14, 1953, at the Presbyterian Church in Pawnee City, Nebraska. To this union three boys were born, Mark Allan, Michael Dean and Steven Lee. Richard passed away on October 26, 1977, just after his 49th birthday.  

Laura worked for the Pawnee County Memorial Hospital from 1965-1971. Laura worked for the Medical Foundation from 1978-2006.  While at the hospital she worked as the purchasing agent, as well as other duties and responsibilities. Also,  she  worked as an Emergency Medical Technician, for 20 years. She worked at the Pawnee Republican from 1971-1974 and again after semi-retirement. In addition, she worked as a Columnist for The Beatrice Daily Sun for 32 years. During this time,  she reported and wrote feature stories at both the Pawnee Republican and the Beatrice Daily Sun. After retirement she worked at Wherry Mortuary as a part time sitting visitation.

She sang for  countless funerals and considered it one of the highest  honors. Furthermore, she served as a master of ceremonies for several local functions.

Laura’s priorities were family and faith first, then music, humor and friends. She was a lifelong member of the United Presbyterian Church. There she taught Sunday school, sang in the Choir, served as an Elder, and served on the Church Council.  Also, she wrote and published devotionals and worked closely with local teenagers in many capacities. 

Laura helped and supported many local organizations. She was very passionate about the arts and children. In her capacity she served on the board of the Pawnee County Arts Council and PCHS Alumni Association, where she was  the President for several years. Also, Laura  was a member of the Southeast Nebraska Community Band, and volunteered as an Usher at the Lied Center in Lincoln.

Laura began the Annual Evening of Music in 1978, in which area musicians performed inspirational music. She loved attending theater productions and musical concerts, and she loved to always take a friend or one of her grandchildren to each performance. 

Among her favorite moments were the  good times with her family and grandchildren. Specifically, she loved “days out” with each grandchild. Her other passion was ball room dancing.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Archer and Mildred; her husband, Richard; son, Steven; brother and sister-in-law, Edwin and Gladys King; sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Gene Estep; three infant brothers, Stanley, Donald and Robert; nephews and nieces.

She is survived by her sons: Mark (Teresa) Turnbull, Michael (Roberta “Sput”) Turnbull, Kathy Turnbull;  grandchildren: Nathan (Amber) Turnbull, Jason Turnbull; Erin Plager; Lynette (Paul) Gilkey;  Matthew (Ralitza) Turnbull; Mitch (Kenzie) Turnbull; Emily (Curtis) Banzhoff; and many great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, other relatives and many friends. 

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 24, 2023, at  United Presbyterian Church/First Christian Church, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Pastor Diane Morgan will be officiating.  Visitation will be on Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., with the family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m., at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Interment at the Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Memorials to United Presbyterian Church, Pawnee County Medical Foundation or Pawnee County Arts Council. Online condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com. Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.

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