Last Updated on July 21, 2022 by Rans Funeral Homes
Vearladeen “Deenie” Turnpaugh, 91, of Logansport passed away at 5:03 a.m., Thursday, July 14, 2022 at Chase Center.
Born on July 23, 1930 in South Bend, she was the daughter of the late Veral and Mary Ellen (Gault) Welker. On September 27, 1947 she married her late husband Loral(Roy) Turnpaugh.
She worked at the RBM factory for many years and retired from there. Deenie enjoyed sewing, playing cards and especially going mushroom hunting. She would have spent everyday in the woods in the spring if she could have. She was able to find some really big ones in her lifetime.
She also had a big heart for stray animals. She has raised more cats and dogs than any person can imagine. My brother says she even had compassion for his stray friends. She never turned them away from a meal.
One of her dreams was to move our family to the country and she did. It was great! Her and us kids spent hours biking all over Cass County. We lived across from the Mar-Jo-Wood Hotel and they had a pool. We all loved to swim so we begged her to call and ask if we could swim there if we paid to do so. We finally broke her down and she called. We got to swim for free.
Every holiday was made special. At Christmas, we were allowed to make hundreds of cookies and there was always a popcorn Christmas tree. One year we asked to have a goose for dinner. She made it, but it was awful(not her fault). It was too greasy. That year we learned that just because it is in fashion does not mean it is the right thing to do.
One Easter, she boiled over nine dozen eggs to get 2 dozen good ones. We ate a lot of egg salad and potato salad that week. I am sure some of those broken eggs ended up in a batch of beets and eggs which was a staple in our house.
Speaking of food, she was a great cook. She made home cooked meals every night. She made great chicken and noodles and green beans, ham, and potatoes combo.
We took vacations all over the United States. We have seen the oceans, ran on the Daytona track, walked through Mammoth Cave, seen the Grand Canyon, Painted desert, Yellowstone, and even went diamond mining at Crater of the Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. Our parents wanted us to know that there was plenty of diversity to see right here in our own country.
We were taught to “Dream Big” for our futures. So we did. Our mom was able to tell everyone that all four of her children graduated from college and pursued a career in their chosen field.
As you read this, you may think, “Oh the perfect wealthy family”. Well we were not. Just a regular family with ups and downs and parents just trying to do the best they can. And as far as wealth, we were not rich. Our parents both worked hard all their lives to provide for us. What I mean by that is that they provided a support system to us that has lasted all our lives and you can’t get anything better than that.
Survivors include …A daughter Brenda Cover of Auburn, CA. Her daughter Lori Alvarez of Sierra Vista, AZ. and her children Davy Haught(Stephanie) of San Antonio, TX and their children Olyvia and Madelynn. Also a son Shawn Haught and daughter Kasey Haught both living in San Antonio TX. Brenda’s other daughter, Tania(Dana) Wanlass and their children Jackson and Austin all of Auburn CA.
A son, Dennis Turnpaugh(Niki)of Chapel Hill MS and their children: Bryan Davis and his children Spencer and Nicolas of Ramer, TN and a daughter Rachel Turnpaugh of Austin TX.
A daughter, Julia(Mike) Ropp of Logansport and their children: A son Thomas Ropp(Kim) and their children Dakota and Shae of Delphi, IN. A daughter, Amanda(Kenny) Cook of Logansport and their children all of Logansport: Mikayla(Alex) Ellington and son Iden Reyes. A son Ethan Cook(Becky) and their daughter Maya. A daughter Eva Cook.
A son, Vearl(Shelly) Turnpaugh of Bringhurst, IN and their children: a daughter Alisha(Jef Malsan) of Muncie, IN, and from Madeel, OK a son Zachary(Kristin) with a January Blessing on the way and Vearl’s other son Tanner of Bringhurst.
Those preceding her in death are: her parents Veral and Mary Ellen Welker, her husband Loral(Roy) Turnpaugh, her sister Patrica Newell. her brothers John and Norman Welker and one grandson Phillip Turnpaugh
Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 23, 2022 at the Mt. Hope Cemetery Chapel.
Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Deenie to the Cass County Humane Society, 700 Water street, Logansport 46947
Her online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.