Reba Joyce Turner, 75

Reba Joyce Turner, of Hayden, Idaho, passed from this life on April 2, 2014.

"Joyce" was born in Burbank, Calif., on March 5, 1939. She and Ernie, her husband of 58 years, worked and raised a family in Yucaipa, Calif. The family moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1981.

In the early years, Joyce was well known for her beautiful singing voice. She took on the part of Mary Poppins and other well known characters in the Yucaipa community theatre for many years. Joyce developed numerous artistic talents, devoting herself to serving the Lord. She became a wedding coordinator early on, always offering free services to the bride as a cake decorator, florist, vocalist and decorator. She literally threw herself into action for every wedding, taking tremendous joy in an effort to create a fairytale for each special young lady. Joyce also maintained a small choir of women to provide beautiful songs for dozens of occasions, including fundraisers, 50th wedding anniversaries, funerals, community and church functions.

Joyce served her family and friends with her gifts as a painter, seamstress, writer and volunteer music teacher.

One of her great loves was teaching singing and acting to the children of Coeur d'Alene Christian school. For several years she put on two musicals per year. She made sure to include every child in the school. Joyce wrote the plays, made the costumes, and created elaborate sets. Her talents were unparalleled. Those who knew her often said that Joyce could do anything she set her mind to.

Joyce loved her Lord and his church, serving in hundreds of roles throughout her life, never afraid to share her faith in any venue, including prison ministry. Joyce was a faithful child of God, loved by so many.

Joyce is survived by her adoring husband, Ernie Turner, and her loving family, including three children: son, Lindy Turner, and daughters, Terri Garcia and Janie Stibitz; seven grandchildren: Grant Denny, Shawnee Turner, Aubrey Turner, Derek Garcia, Rachel Garcia, Jake Garcia and Chelsi Garcia; four great grandchildren: Gabriel, Malachi and Daniel Garcia, and Syren Forrest.

The last days of her life, into the wee hours of April 2, Joyce was in her home surrounded by her beloved Ernie and three children who "sang her to sleep." Into thy hands we give unto thee oh God and Lord Jesus ... Our mother, our friend, and beautiful wife, Joycie.