Martha C. Turner

Martha Turner, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed peacefully in the early hours of November 5, 2025, at the age of 97.

Martha was, in every way, a proud and deserving member of “Greatest Generation.” Born in Kansas in 1928 and raised on her parents’ farm, she was the second oldest of five children. As a young girl, she experienced firsthand the hardships of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, ultimately losing the family farm. Seeking a new start, the family moved to Alaska, taking advantage of a government program that provided land, opportunity, and hope to thousands of Depression-era pioneers. Life in Alaska was rugged, but Martha carried with her fond memories of family, friends, 4-H, and the warmth of a close-knit community.

By 1944, the family moved again—this time to Santa Barbara, Ca—to seek a better climate for Martha’s youngest sister, who was in fragile health. For Martha, this marked the beginning of a new and joyful chapter. Now a beautiful and energetic teenager, she quickly found work at the candy counter of a movie theater on State Street. It was there that she met her future husband, Bill Campbell. They married when Martha was nineteen.

At twenty, Martha welcomed her first child, Billie, followed over the next four years by Diana, Bob, and Janet. Four years later, she had her fifth child, Fred. Like many women of her era, Martha devoted herself to raising her children and managing the household on a tight budget while Bill worked multiple jobs to support the growing family. In 1955, the Campbells moved to Garden Grove, Ca, purchasing a modest 1,200-square-foot tract home where Martha lived until 1975. Martha and Bill divorced in 1966.

The divorce marked a turning point—a moment when Martha stepped fully into her own strengths. She became the spiritual center of her family. She earned her AA degree and broke into a male-dominated industry, quickly becoming her company’s top salesperson. She became a fighter, a wise woman, and a leader who guided others by example. During this time, she also married the love of her life, Bill Turner—she liked to joke that she “had a thing for Bills.”

By 1976, life was full and joyful; it would also mark the beginning of another important chapter in her life, one of personal growth, spirituality and the pursuit of self-love. This calling would become a cornerstone of her life, a new compass for navigating the world and a gift she’d pass on to the next generations.

On July 4, 1996, Martha faced one of life’s deepest sorrows: the loss of her beloved fourth child, Janet, to cancer. Like many mothers, she never truly recovered from the pain of losing a child. Yet she continued forward with grace, gratitude, and fierce love.

Martha and Bill Turner eventually retired to their dream home on the Oregon Coast, a home they designed and built together. After Bill’s passing in 2010, Martha moved to Oakmont, Santa Rosa Ca, to be closer to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her siblings.

Martha is survived by three siblings; four children and their spouses; her stepdaughter; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many dear friends.

Above all, Martha would say she lived a great life—one filled with love, family, resilience, spirituality and purpose. She will be deeply missed, and her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.

There will be a Celebration of Life planned in early 2026, to be held in Marte’s home in Oakmont for family and her Oakmont friends. Burial will be later in 2026 with her ashes scattered at Sea by immediate family.

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