Barbara Ann Coles Turk May 15, 1942 ~ September 19, 2024

Obituary for Barbara Ann Coles Turk

Barbara Ann Coles Turk was born May 15, 1942, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the daughter of William John Coles, Jr. and Margaret Arminta Shea Coles. She married Toni Richard Turk on March 9, 1960, in Throckmorton, Texas. They were high school sweethearts, and both were reared in the United States Air Force. They graduated together from Burkburnett High School in Burkburnett, Texas in 1960. Their fiftieth anniversary was a yearlong event that was a gift to one another of travel. During their anniversary year they traveled to all seven continents. During their marriage they visited all fifty states and over one hundred countries.

Barbara graduated summa cum laude from Western Texas College in 1975, where she was recognized as the Outstanding Student of Pre-Nursing. She continued her studies at Brigham Young University where she graduated as a Registered Nurse and valedictorian of her nursing class in 1977 – maintaining her 4.0 GPA. She worked in varied fields of nursing, including OB/GYN, geriatrics, and school nursing. She was a part of the charter nursing faculty of the College of Eastern Utah in Blanding. She also worked as a nurse with the San Juan County nursing home.

Barbara and her family were convert members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having joined in Texas in 1969. She served in several Church positions including those of Primary President and Young Women’s President. For many years, she also served as her husband’s companion for his home teaching assignments. Barbara was a member of the Colonial Swedish Society. She was the ninth generation in her female line born in Pennsylvania.

Besides her husband, Barbara is survived by two sons and their wives: Robert & Valarie Turk of Blanding, and David & Donna Turk of Hurricane and a widowed daughter-in-law of their son Larry, Katie Palmer Turk of Blanding; by thirteen grandchildren: Catherine Bradford, Laura Palmer, Shea Most & Sarah Rebman; Richie McDonald, Colby Turk, Amber Turk, Saige Todachennie, Kelby Turk, Palmer Turk; and Ryan Turk, Cameron Turk & Timothy Turk. She is also the great-grandmother of forty-three with a forty-fourth to be born in November. One great grandson, Elder Trevin Palmer, is currently serving in the Port Vila, Vanuatu Mission.

Barbara died in Blanding, Utah on September 19, 2024. A celebration of her life will occur later. She will be buried in the Blanding Cemetery. She was the much beloved matriarch of her family.

The family appreciates all the expressions of condolence that have been extended. A heartfelt appreciation is extended to Zion’s Way home hospice service and San Juan Mortuary. A special thank you is extended to Drs. Kelly Jeppesen and Matthew Lyman for their compassionate services rendered to Barbara and our family – Thank you!