Loretta Dame Turner

Loretta Dame Turner, 88, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully at home on January 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband and family.

Loretta was born in Walnut Ridge, AR in 1936 to Jim and Fannie Dame and was the youngest of 11 children. She worked at Steak N’ Shake as a roller-skating waitress when she was 16 years old and went on to work as a Piece Line Worker at National Lock in 1954, retiring after 31 years in 1985. Loretta was an avid member of Rockford United General Baptist Ministries for 60 years where she was a Sunday School Teacher, helped in the nursery, and recorded services for the church for many years.

In 1955, Ret and Kenny Turner met out on the town and danced the night away. Six weeks later on September 3rd, 1955 is Sedgwick, AR they became a family of four and created a life of their own along with their two loving children: Sue Fletcher and Mike (Diane) Turner. She was an avid skater. She took Mike and Sue to the ING Skating Rink almost weekly, and taught them how to skate, but they couldn’t hold a candle to her. Not many could. Back in the day, Ret could work on a car almost as good as any mechanic, just ask Kenny.

One of Loretta and Kenny’s favorite pastimes was going out on the town with their life-long friends of over 70 years, Ed and Margaret Fowler. The four of them were inseparable and made many memories over the years that are still reminisced on, even today.

Loretta is preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Fannie Dame; her 10 siblings, Anna, Juanita, Leona, Lucille, Sis, Viola, Billy Joe, Bob, Charles, Ray, and Baby Mary; sisters-in-law, Nina (Loren) and Veda (John); brother-in-law, Lowell; son-in-law, Larry Fletcher; her great grandchild, Ezra; and her great-great grandchild, Baby H.

She is survived by her loving husband, Kenneth Turner; both of her children, Sue and Mike (Diane); her grandchildren, Tricia (James), Robert (Bonni), Teri (Andrew), Nikki (Mark) David (Bianca), and Matt (Alice); her great grandchildren, Bri (Josh), Cole, Amanda (Brock), Kara, Katie, Kenzi, Marissa, Josh, Eli, Noah, Drew, Olly, Elliot, Paris, Alexandra, and Cole; her great-great grandchildren, Kellen, Spencer, Scarlett, Jr, and Mateo; along with many nieces and nephews both in Illinois and Arkansas.

Loretta and Kenny’s love and commitment to one another was unmatched, lasting nearly 70 years that was centered around their faith in the good Lord. They set an example that love can endure all and that our faith will carry us through, which we can all remember for years to come.

Our loving and caring Grandma (aka Nanny) is remembered for teaching her grandkids and great grandkids how to fish (even with a trot line), roller skate and water ski, amongst many other things. Years of camping and traveling to Arkansas and Lake Koshkonong (WI) in the summer, going to watch the Ski Bronx, sitting and watching The Young and the Restless, playing dominoes, Fast Track and Phase 10 will all be memories that we hold onto together for the rest of our lives.

A visitation will be held at Rockford United General Baptist Ministries on January 14, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., another visitation will take place at church on January 15, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral service at 12 noon. Following both services in IL, family and friends will travel to Walnut Ridge, AR for an additional Funeral and Graveside service. In lieu of flowers, any donations made to Carpenter’s Place Outreach Center in Rockford would be greatly appreciated.

The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. To share memories and condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.