Norma Jean Turner (Calkins), 63

In loving memory of Norma Jean Turner (Calkins), of Kila, Mont., passed away peacefully one year ago, on Feb. 10, 2012, with her children, family and best friend by her side. Her passing followed a courageous battle with cancer.

Norma was born Dec. 7, 1948, in Kellogg. She was raised in Coeur d’Alene.

On Jan. 11, 1967, she was married to Lloyd Michael Turner. They later relocated to Montana, and in 1979 made their home in Kila. They were married for 40 years and separated by Lloyd’s death in 2007.

Norma held several jobs in her younger years, including at Buffalo Hill Golf Course and Buttrey’s Grocery. In 1995 she began her employment with Rosauers. She was employed there for the past 16 years until she was too ill to continue working.

During her employment there, she made a number of very good friends and touched many lives. She will be remembered by many as "my favorite checker."

There was a huge, loving heart of gold inside Norma. She was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, ready to help at any given moment and asking nothing in return. She cared deeply for those close to her, and she was always looking out for everyone else. She will be fondly remembered by many people and will live on in the hearts of her family and friends for eternity.

There were many things that brought enjoyment to Norma. In the 1980s, she was on a bowling league with a great group of friends. She and Lloyd enjoyed spending time together cruising in the street rods that he restored and built and showing them at the Glacier and National Street Rod Association car shows.

She loved camping with her family and soaking up the summer sun. Most of all, she treasured the time spent with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her son, Darin Turner; daughter Melissa Yarde and husband Mark; grandchildren, Alissa and Kiley Turner, and Ashton, Garrett, Justine and Adriana Yarde, all of Kalispell, Mont.; sisters, Beth Broadsword of Spokane, Roxanne Calkins of Columbus, Ind., Cindy Calkins and Jody Jensen, both of Coeur d’Alene, and Fran Larkin of Great Falls, Mont.; brother Terry Calkins of Dacoma, Okla.; sisters-in-law, Frances Nicholas of Kalispell, and Ann Calkins of Post Falls; and many nieces and nephews.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Turner; father Murl Francis Calkins and mother Montana Calkins Pooley; brothers, Gary, Bob and Art Calkins; and sister Shirley Harmon.