Vivian Maxine (Gaskill) Turner was born February 8, 1926 in Maryville, MO and died at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO December 13, 2015. She was just two months shy of her 90th birthday, but Vivian's body and spirit were ready to walk through the door to join her husband James E. Turner (1925-2007) to whom she had been married for 59 years. She leaves behind a son, James W. Turner (San Angelo, TX), a daughter, Susan Turner Miranti and her husband Joe Miranti (Springfield, MO), and a grandson, Aaron Sneegas and his wife Beth Hahn-Sneegas (Bristol, CT). Vivian grew up in Maryville, MO during the Depression and was raised by her great grandmother who owned a boarding house. She moved to Kansas City to live with her older sister, Sybil Hancock (1920 – 1997), when she was 15. Vivian resided in Kansas City, KS near 35th and Haskell for over 50 years. She enjoyed bowling and bowled on various leagues until she was in her 70s. She worked as a cashier at Venture on State Avenue and was probably the friendliest cashier you'd ever meet. Vivian never met a stranger and would talk to anyone. She was a member of Victory Hills Baptist Church and dearly loved Pastor Bob, who literally saved her life. For the past six years, Vivian resided in Springfield, MO. Her joy was playing BINGO and having visits from Jack, the pet therapy dog. It broke her heart when he died this summer. Vivian introduced herself as a character to all she met and in true red-head tradition, she relished being ornery. She loved teasing all of her physicians and care givers. The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Thomas, Dr. Eric Guilliams and her aide Theresa Johnson for the excellent care they showered on Vivian. The nurses and PCAs on Mercy's 4A and 7B floors were very supportive and gentle as Vivian transitioned to her new life. There are no words that can express gratitude. A graveside service will be held at the Veterans Cemetery near Lake Springfield on Friday, December 18th at 10:00 a.m., with a lunch at the Miranti home following. The family suggests donations (instead of flowers) to Clever First Christian Church, PO Box 146, Clever, MO 65631 or Pet Therapy of the Ozarks, 9310 N. State Highway H, Pleasant Hope, MO 65725.
