Doris Turnbull

Born Doris Clara Maurer on November 5, 1932, passed away February 6, 2021 in The Meadows, Swift Current at the age of 88.  She was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Edwin Turnbull in September 1999, as well as 4 brothers and their spouses: Elmer & Margaret Maurer, Ernie Maurer, Victor & Ruby Maurer & Clarence Maurer, as well as a granddaughter, Shannon Turnbull.  Also predeceased by brothers-in-law and spouses:  Jack & Audrey Turnbull; Mervyn & Helen Turnbull; Wilson & Nina Turnbull; Marjorie & Ches Allen and nephews:  Jimmy Turnbull, Terry Turnbull, Allan Turnbull and David Allen.

Doris was born on the farm at St. Boswell’s, SK to George & Nora Maurer, the 6th of 8 children.  She grew up knowing hard work interrupted by craziness & fun times many of which she instigated.  After marrying in Winnipeg in 1950, Ed & Doris travelled by train with Lester as a newborn baby to the Vogel Station in the spring of 1951. They were rescued from a flood by Ed’s brother Wilson who delivered them to the Turnbull farm in the Emery District south of Hodgeville.  There they raised their family and farmed together until Edwin’s death.

In August of 1986 Doris moved to Swift Current where she lived a busy life of travel, work, service clubs and cheering on her favourite sports teams. There were years of curling, attending Briers and keeping stats on her favourites. She was a dedicated Regina Rough Riders fan although there were whispers of the Hamilton Tiger Cats at one point. She enjoyed watching golf, especially if Tiger Woods was playing. Every spring and fall found her back at the farm making meals cleaning bins, filling the seeder and cutting grass. Doris lived independently in her own home until her illness in October 2018.

A wife and mother of 8 children, Doris will always be remembered for her easy laughter, love of fun, excellent baking and her indomitable spirit. She was a natural entrepreneur and ran several successful business ventures.  The first was with a company called Fashion Frocks that operated as a home party clothing retailer. Her next business was as a Tupperware Dealer. She was promoted from Sales Person to Manager and was soon busy recruiting new dealers, booking parties all over southern Saskatchewan as well as organizing award banquets for the large network of women working with her.  She was known for braving any weather to make it to the party.

Doris’ skills at managing employees, her love of people and games of chance made the next undertaking a natural fit as she operated the Wheat City Bingo hall. Never one to sit idle this was followed by Concession Contractor at Fairview Arena in Swift Current, work at a dress shop, a laundromat, a senior’s kitchen and at 80 cooking and caring part time for special needs adults.

She will be lovingly remembered by her 5 sons and 3 daughters, 19 Grandchildren & 14 Great Grandchildren:  Lester (Betty) of Hodgeville - Dalles(Marie Gottselig) - Mkyllan, Brett Turnbull; Vivian Fox of Edmonton - Vincent & Joel Fox - Layla & Winni Fox; Margo (Ralph) MacKinnon of Summerside, PEI - Lindsey(Justin) Swan - Alistair & Oliver Swan, Andrea MacKinnon & Brady MacKinnon; Ross (Bev) of Hodgeville - Jerrod(Meagan)-Raquel & Halli Turnbull; Dustin(Karen)-Zoey & Emily Turnbull, Megan Turnbull (Landis Meyer)-Daxton & Lindley Meyer; Mark (Gwen) of Sylvan Lake - Bobbie(Alberto) Corona - Emiliano & Amaya Corona, Jason (Sara) Turnbull-Stirling Turnbull; Lyndon (Barb) of Grande Prairie - Drayton, Evan & Macey Turnbull; Mervin (Tracey) of Regina - Demi, Braxton & Lexi Turnbull; Virginia Pavo (Doug Eyre) of Saskatoon - Taylor Pavo;

Doris is also survived by 3 sisters:  Viola Stelter of Moosomin, SK, Mable Beierle of Calgary, AB and Ruby Rumpel of Swift Current; plus her sisters-in-law Ann Maurer and Jean Maurer and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Private Family Service for Doris Turnbull was held Saturday, February 13, 2021 at East Side Church of God, Swift Current, SK.

The service was recorded and will be posted as soon as possible.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Doris Turnbull, donations to a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family.

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