With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to our beloved mother, Ruth Patricia Turner, who left us peacefully on July 29th, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born to Abner and Esther Hexum on a cold winter night in Osceola, Wisconsin, on December 1st, 1934, Pat's early life was shaped by a profound bond with her father. After her mother's passing in 1944, she became his closest confidante. It was from him that she inherited her artistic soul, spending hours learning painting and woodworking. This shared passion ignited a lifelong love of crafting and creativity that would touch every part of her life.

Pat was a memorable presence even in her youth. Standing at a proud "4 feet, 11 inches, and 3 quarters," she was a star at Osceola High School, graduating in 1953 as Homecoming Queen and with the Senior Superlative of "Best Actress." After graduation, she moved to Minneapolis with her best girlfriends, a time she often described as some of her favorite years. She found work in the arts department at Donaldson’s Department Store, where she hand-drew advertisements for the newspaper, an early expression of her incredible artistic talent.

Her life took a new and wonderful turn when she married Jim Turner on May 2nd, 1957. Together, they built a beautiful home in the Chisago Lakes area and raised four children: Lee, Colleen, Connie, and Larry. Her kids remember a home filled with love and life lessons. Pat was a true role model, teaching them not just skills like baking and embroidery, but also the importance of kindness, generosity, and, of course, the art of standing up straight and wearing your pearls. Her artistic touch was evident everywhere—from the perfectly set dinner table to her elegant fashion sense.

Pat was a woman of classic style and thoughtful intention. She was a people person through and through, nurturing a wide network of friends wherever she went. She had an incredible way of staying in touch, making daily phone calls and sending cards for every occasion. She even wrote down everything, from helpful hints to key ingredients for a special recipe, a testament to her meticulous and caring nature.

Above all, Pat found her greatest joys in her family and friends. She loved oil painting, quilting, decorating, a good book, journaling and traveling with her closest friends. She created a life full of beauty, art, and love, and her legacy lives on in every memory we hold dear.

Pat is survived by her loving children Lee (Karen) Turner, Colleen (Ted) Fletcher, Connie (Tim) Eastman, and Larry (Stacy) Turner, along with 9 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Wally and Gene Hexum, and sister, Joyce Butterfuss.

Pat's memory will be treasured by all who knew her—her loving family, the Evergreen community, her friends at Trinity, and the vibrant circles of her birthday and painting groups. We are deeply grateful to the staff at Meadows on Fairview and within the TCU for the kindness and compassion they showed her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Lutheran Stained Glass Window Restoration Project.

Thank you for celebrating the beautiful life of Pat Turner.

Last Update: Aug 05, 2025 7:38 am CDT