Doris Darlene (Burch) Turnbough, age 83, of Broadus, Montana passed away Saturday, June 26, 2021, at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, Montana after a valiant health battle for many months.
She was born on February 21, 1938, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota to R.O. and Eunice P. Major Burch, who ranched on Box Elder Creek near Ridgway, Montana. She joined a four-year-old sister, Charlotte, and her younger brother, Robert O., joined the family four years later. Doris attended rural schools, including Hawks Home, Moseley, Climax, then one year of high school in Ekalaka, Montana before graduating from Belle Fourche High School.
Doris met Norman Turnbough and after attending a square dance together, they decided to spend their life together. After the couple was married, they moved to Weston, Wyoming where Norman worked for Earl McConnel for two and half years and then moved back to the Burch’s for two years. By that time, they had their four children, Rick Robin, DaLonda Rae, Norma Darlene, and Randy Clayton.
In August 1961 the family moved to Powder River County where they raised their family working on several ranches. In 1970 they leased the Ed & Reva Joslyn place before purchasing it in 1973. In 1970 Doris bought a registered Quarter Horse mare from her mother, the mare was bred to a horse of Harold Burch’s and that was the start of the Turnbough Quarter Horse program. Doris was instrumental in helping start the Powder River Quarter Horse Breeders Association where she served as the first secretary, a board member for many years.
In 1981 Doris started her 30-year career as a dispatcher for the Powder River County Sheriff’s office. After she retired, she kept herself busy with her numerous hobbies, she was an avid quilter and was known for her beautiful patterns and design. She was also a great sewer and seamstress, she even sewed prom dresses for both of her daughters. Nobody ever left her table hungry, she was an amazing cook and baker, she made wonderful rhubarb pies. Dogs, especially rat terriers, found a great home with Doris, she had endless love for her dogs. Many days were spent in her garden, she and Norman took great pride in their garden and flowers. In her later years she had a special love for her Dorper sheep that gave her hours of enjoyment watching them from her perch in the living room of her house. She was always excited to see her grandbabies and grandkids, she gleamed with joy as they walked through her door and were greeted by her big smile and twinkling eyes.
Doris is survived by her husband of 66 years, Norman Turnbough; three children, Rick (Carmen) Turnbough, DaLonda “Lonnie”(Rick Ufen) Carter and Randy (Lori) Turnbough; grandchildren, Tavy Turnbough, Nsuaha “Branddi” (Quantez Nichols) Turnbough-Nichols, Robin (Kevin) Hill, Nancy (Casey) Trent, Katrina (Kent) Lombard, Henry Blackwell, Jr., Misty (David) Oenema, Monte (Abi) Turnbough, LaShay (Jonathan) Robinson, Eli Turnbough, Jerett (Aubrey) Turnbough, and Lee Turnbough; great-grandchildren of Tai Jhada Turnbough, Rocey Turnbough, Tatiyhana Turnbough, Ryan Turnbough, DaShawn Zuniga, Tyler Hill, Brady Hill, Drew Hill, Kaylee Trent, Kaydin Trent, Samuel Lombard, Sophia Lombard, Kingston Abbott, Roman Oenema, Evangeline Oenema, Kolton Williams, Bridger Tille, Jonathan Robinson, Jr., Montie Robinson, Ja-Rail Robinson, Everett Turnbough; great-great-grandchild Taiddin Turnbough; sister Charlotte King; son-in-law Ray Abbott and numerous nieces, nephews and a large extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, R.O. and Eunice Burch; daughter Norma Abbott, grandson Kelsey Abbott, her brother Robert O. Burch, baby sister Rowena Burch, and brother-in-law Argaylon King.
A graveside service will take place at the Beaverlodge Cemetery in Ekalaka on Thursday, July 1st at 10:00 am. A light luncheon will follow at The Ekalaka Bible Church in Ekalaka, MT. Condolences can be made to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
10:00 AM
Thursday July 1, 2021
Beaver Lodge Cemetery
512 South Central Avenue
Ekalaka, MT 59324
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
10:00 AM
Thursday July 1, 2021
Beaver Lodge Cemetery
512 South Central Avenue
Ekalaka, MT 59324
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Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Turnbough family.
Bert and Nancy Stoddard says
So sorry about Doris. What a gracious lady.
So sorry about Doris. She will be missed. What a gracious lady.
Carol Schneidt says
Norman and family, Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Doris was a wonderful woman and friend!
Sylvia Zimmer says
What a grand lady… so giving and caring.. God has gotten an Angel back in heaven 💓🙏🙏🙏
TJ, Heather &Garrett Cunningham says
Our thoughts go out to all the Turnbough family. What a grand lady she was.
Elizabeth Eby says
I have so many memories of Doris growing up. Prayers for her family.
Thelma Taylor says
Doris was a grand lady and good friend.
She will certainly be missed.
Ginger says
Sincere condolences and peace to the Turnbough family. Doris was a dang good lady. Will miss seeing her around, especially at the quilt club functions.
Andrita Harris says
Deepest Sympathy and condolences for the Turnbough Family. So sorry for your loss. Doris was a great lady.
(Lee) Dorothy and Andrita
Lisa And Roger Gaskill says
Norman and all of the Turnbough family, We are so sorry for your loss. Enjoy the many wonderful memories you all have of Doris.
Dawn Lee says
So sorry. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers. Doris had a beautiful smile along with the twinkle in her eye!!
May you all feel the strength and comfort God offers. Cherish your memories. Hugs
Ken and Pat Jones says
Sorry for your loss, a special lady,
Diana Elwood says
Turnbough Family, We are so sorry for your loss, I have many memories of Doris from my younger years. May God be with all of you.
SALLY ANN BORLA says
MY SINCERE SYMPATHY TO ALL OF DORIS’S FAMILY, ESPECIALLY TAVY AND NANCY. I DIDN’T KNOW YOUR GRANDMA BUT I DID KNOW SOME OF THE BURCH FAMILY YEARS AGO. CHERISH YOUR MANY MEMORIES AND KNOW SHE IS WITH GOD NOW–GOD BLESS.
Janie Calvert says
Praying for comfort treasure your memories she was a wonderful lady
Dave and Janie Calvert
Judy A Denson-Keller says
My heart, thoughts, prayers, and hugs go out to the Turnbough family at this time. Mike and I spent many fun weekends with the Turnboughs as we all belonged to many of the same clubs and teams in high school. Those were such fun times. Doris and Norman took it in stride and they survived putting up with all of us kids in the county. Those memories always put a smile on my face and I hope they put a smile on yours as well. May those memories be treasured. May God Bless all of you during this difficult time.
Jaci Horner says
To all of Doris Turnboughs family
So sorry to hear of your loss. May the Lord guide you and help you through these trying times.
The Horner and George families
Rebecca Quackenbush says
Our sincere condolences to Eli Turnbough and the Turnbough family on the passing of their beloved Grandmother. May she rest in God’s Eternal Peace. Scott, Rebecca, Allison and Scotty Quackenbush of Lake Bluff, IL.
Don bidwell says
Do miss the crap Doris and Norman have me over the years. Rip dear friend
virginia williams says
Doris was a wonderful woman. I have good memories of her and her family visiting us when we were kids.
Darrell and Rieta Walker says
Norm, Our sympathy to you and your family and others who mourn Doris’ death.
Doris and I graduated from high school together, but my earliest memory of her took place at the Albion community hall. She was 5 or 6; she stood on a chair to sing with an older girl (years later Doris told me it was her cousin). People there wanted to hear that little girl sing!
When Darrell and I were in Broadus for the Fourth, I visited Doris in the sheriff’s office.