Mirla Jean Turnbow Homer

Mirla Jean Turnbow Homer, 89, our devoted mom, and grandma passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on September 15, 2024. Imagine the wonderful reunion as Mirla has longed to be with her eternal sweetheart, Hap. 

Mirla was born to Clifford and Grace Martha Kirkham Turnbow. She was the oldest of seven children. Mirla enjoyed a memorable childhood on her grandparents' family farm in Francis, Utah. This is where she developed a strong work ethic and a deep love of family. 

Mirla was a graduate of South Summit High School and made lifelong friendships there. She was very athletic, excelling in softball and track. She was known for being fast and was always challenging others to a race. This continued up until the last few days of her life. 

As a teenager, Mirla worked at the Simpsons drugstore in Kamas. Mirla was known for making the best malts and milkshakes. In her later years, she would also make them for her grandchildren. This was where she met the love of her life. Hap came in for a bite to eat and asked her out for a date.

While Hap was completing his military service in Korea, Mirla waited patiently for him to come home. They exchanged many love letters with each other until they were reunited. He proposed on Valentine’s day, and married on June 6, 1953. They celebrated 70 years together and were sealed in 1987 in the Salt Lake Temple. 

Together Mirla and Hap raised two children. A daughter, Linda and a son, Wade. As a young family they spent time fishing and camping at Blue and Beth Lakes. She loved to fish. Mirla always boasted that she could out fish anyone!

Mirla was an incredible homemaker. Every fall, you would find her canning and putting up fruits, jams and “chilli sauce“. She took great pride in keeping a tidy house. Because of her reputation, she was asked several times to teach a cleaning class for the relief society. 

Mirla was an accomplished seamstress and quilter. She also loved embroidery and crochet. She taught her daughter and granddaughters these heirloom skills. She made countless quilts, doilies, afghans, pillow cases and flannel pajamas for her family. 

Mirla was active member of the LDS church and served in many callings. Her life was dedicated to serving others and she enjoyed it. She worked tirelessly preparing for Bazzars, Banquets, and many other projects and events. She was a natural leader and genuinely loved the women that worked alongside her. 

Mirla worked as a custodian of the LDS Church for over thirty years. She took great pride in her work, ensuring that everything was spotless for Sunday.

In Mirla’s later years, she assisted Hap in feeding the livestock during the winter months on the family farm. She enjoyed riding up to the summer range to check on the cattle. This was time spent together that they both enjoyed. 

Mirla had a contagious personality and a great sense of humor. She loved family celebrations and was always the life of the party! Visits with Mirla were delightful, full of laughter and always ended with a treat. You always left feeling loved and cherished. We will truly miss this fun loving and amazing lady that was loved beyond measure.

Mirla is preceded in death by her loving husband, Edwin Gordon (Hap) Homer, her parents, Clifford and Grace Martha Kirkham Turnbow, her sisters, RaNae (Donald) Adams, Beverly Magnuson, Shirlene Poster, and Nina Williams.

Mirla is survived by her two children, Linda (Kent) Jones and Wade (Jennifer) Homer, 8 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 9 great great grandchildren, a sister, Barbara (Lee) Johnson and a brother, Rowland (Barbara)Turnbow.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Wanship LDS Church. Viewings will be held on Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm and Friday from 10-10:45 am. Interment will be at Wanship Cemetery.