Minnie L. Turner, 80, of Washington, died Thursday, October 26, 2010 at the Washington County Hospital in Washington following a short battle with cancer.

Her body has been cremated. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral services; however, the family will host a gathering on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Wagon Wheel in Washington, where her many friends are invited to join in remembrance and celebration of her life.

Minnie was born on August 19, 1930 in Fairfield, Iowa the daughter of Escoe E. and Bessie T. (Lowe) Messer. She married George E. Turner in 1946 in Douds, Iowa, they later divorced. She had happily shared her life with Max L. Sheetz for more than 40 years.

Minnie is survived by her husband, Max Sheetz of Washington; three children, Nancy Salemink and husband Dennis of Washington; Rick Turner and wife Gretchen of Tipton; Jerry (JT) Turner and wife Cari of Washington; five stepchildren, Patty Sheetz of St. Louis Park, Minnesota; Sally Reilly and husband Tom of Swisher; Debby Carey and husband Bill of Columbus Junction; Becky Fort and husband Ron of Central City; and Mike Sheetz of Cedar Rapids; fifteen grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; brother, Raymond Messer of Des Moines; brother, Virgil Messer of San Luis Obispo, California; sister, Mary Earll of Washington; half sisters, Vivian Umphress of Streator, Illinois; and Catherine Gross of Mt. Pleasant.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and one brother.