Linda Ruth Turner
March 16, 1941 ~ October 25, 2021
Linda Turner, 80, Sioux Falls, died Monday, October 25, 2021, at the Dougherty Hospice Home in Sioux Falls.
Memorial Services will be 11:00AM, Monday, November 1, 2021, at First Evangelical Free Church (2601 W 69th St.) in Sioux Falls, with a Visitation beginning at 10AM. Inurnment will follow at the SD State Veteran’s Cemetery in Sioux Falls. Live Stream link is https://youtu.be/1NPArDIRfPA
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local CMA chapter, Empire Riders c/o Donna Swank, 910 S 4th Ave., Sioux Falls, SD, 57104
Linda Ruth Swartz was born on March 16, 1941, to Glen and Ruth Swartz in Fairbury, NE in her grandmother’s home. At the age of 13, Linda and her family moved to Lincoln, NE where she graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1958. On February 4, 1961, Linda married the love of her life, Jord Turner. After their union, Linda and Jord moved to Sioux Falls, SD.
Linda had a willing heart to try anything. One year she took up archery and became the women’s state champion. Linda joined the Air National Guard from June 1979- April 1987. She became a traditional guardsman while raising her four children. Linda worked as a parachute rigger that packed parachutes for the Air National Guard. Then from 1987-2000, Linda worked for Ravens in different divisions, applying her various sewing and manufacturing skills. After retiring, Linda and her husband moved to Wellton, AZ, where they spent time enjoying their remaining years together.
Linda pursued Jesus. In addition, although she spoke fewer words, the words she did speak were often filled with immeasurable wisdom. She had a deep desire for every single one of her kids, friends, and strangers to not only hear and know but ultimately experience God’s love and truth. For over 25 years, Linda and her husband would travel on their motorcycles around the country with their Christian Motorcyclists Association friends to share the gospel. Linda had done many different ministries over the years.
Linda’s kids and grandkids would tell you she had lavished the kids on camping trips or vacations and made every family event as unforgettable as the last one. At all of the holidays, Linda had a passion and gift for cooking, baking pies, and decorating for the family and church family to enjoy. Over those same years, Linda had taken care of more than 40 foster children along with her own children. Linda’s family and friends will remember her as one who lived generously and graciously to many.
Linda is lovingly remembered by her children, Jord (Gwendolyn) Turner Jr., Hutchinson, MN, Robert Turner, Custer, SD, Kathy Turner-Flanagan, Sioux Falls, SD, and Jay Turner, Sioux Falls, SD, Tori (Craig) Wittrock, Hartford SD, Jason Smith, Sioux Falls, SD, Nichole(Chad) DeVries, Sioux Falls, SD, and Cindy (Chad) Egeberg, Brookings, SD; Linda was blessed with 26 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; sister, Gwenth Swartz, Lincoln, NE; brother, Daniel (Caroline) Swartz, Green Valley, AZ; and Special friends, Joann Baker, Stan and Dee Hayes, Ron Dykstra, Sioux Falls, SD, and several other special friends and family members.
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