Obituaries

Arrangements are under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, 738 E. Santa Paula St., Santa Paula, 525-3391.Kathryn Kee TurnerKathryn Turner passed away unexpectedly on December 6, 2005, surrounded by friends and loved ones. Her loving spirit, thoughtful manner and ever-present smile will be missed by all who knew her.Kathryn was born in Long Beach on January 7, 1940. Her parents, Virgil and Opal Kee, moved to Santa Paula in 1946, and it was there that she grew up, graduating from Santa Paula High School in 1957. During those formative years, she forged lifelong friendships with Sheila, Dick and Britt, and peals of laughter would invariably fill the air whenever these friends came together.After high school, Kathryn graduated from Ventura Beauty School and went on to become a hair stylist of regional renown, owning salons in Santa Paula, Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks. After over 40 years of diligently caring for the appearances of some of Ventura County’s most beautiful ladies, she had recently retired to La Quinta with her beloved husband Greg.When not working, Kathryn embraced life with a cheerful demeanor and quiet determination. She loved to travel and did so whenever possible, having in recent years toured France with her much loved sister Dottie, who preceded her in death earlier this year. She was a gourmet cook, and the delights of her holiday table were guaranteed to eave contented smiles and loosened belts. She enjoyed a good book, and in turn was a gifted writer. She loved the wonder of flowers, and the crisp chill of the desert on a winter morning. She was adored by children, and liked nothing more than to share her wisdom with them. Hummingbirds flourished in her presence, and she cared for her dogs, first Mose and now Maxy, with an understanding that served to prove that dogs really are people.Kathryn was also a loving and devoted mother, and is survived by her sons, Sid Clarkson of Sonoma, Todd Clarkson of Ventura, and Christopher Clarkson of Chico, as well as her daughter, Lesley Clarkson of Sacramento. Lesley also blessed Kathryn with two grandchildren, Nicholas Clarkson and Ryan Spurlock. She also leaves a brother, Richard Kee of La Verne, as well as cousins, nephews and nieces across the country. Lastly, Kathryn leaves behind her remarkable husband and dearest friend of 26 years, Greg Turner. Theirs was a marriage of happiness, humor and mutual devotion that gave each their reason for being, and the strength to see their way through life’s many challenges.In the final analysis, Kathryn Kee Turner was an exceptionally special human being. She was blessed with hundreds of friends who will profoundly miss her laughter, generosity, sage counsel, and always handwritten Christmas cards. She was simply a good person, and a pleasure to be around.Yet, were she still here, she would ask that we not grieve too long at her passing, for above all, Kathryn loved God and was a devout follower of her faith. No day passed that did not begin with her reading from the Bible, and she did not question God’s will. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) She was ready to meet her maker, and she went forth willingly into his open arms.In keeping with her wishes, her ashes will be scattered over the Mojave Desert from a hot air balloon. A memorial celebration will be held at the Monte Vista Presbyterian Church, 3797 W. Lynn Rd. (101 Fwy to Lynn, go south to Reino), Newbury Park, on Thursday, December 15 at 11:30 a.m. All family and friends are welcome, as are pictures and stories. Her charity of choice was the Alzheimer’s Foundation... but for this one, flowers are preferred.Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Brothers Griffin Mortuary, Thousand Oaks, 495-4641.