Claire Turner, age 11, of Ashby, died Monday, October 22, 2012, at Sanford Children's Hospital, Fargo, ND.
Claire Andraiah Turner was born on February 15, 2001 in Alexandria, MN as the "baby" to her family of 10 kids. She loved to sing, dance, and bring smiles to all those around her. As a very bright 7th grader at Underwood School, she played volleyball and oboe, and had many, many friends.
Claire's radiant smile and joy-filled personality touched the hearts of many. She became instantly loved by everyone she met, including the amazing medical staff at the hospital (especially Dr. Paschall and her beloved nurse, Jessica). Claire could often be found at her favorite place on the planet (Inspiration Point Bible Camp), performing in plays, singing (usually at the top of her lungs), and cuddling with her mommy in bed, staring at the picture of Daddy displayed on the nearby table, and declaring proudly that, "I'm the one who looks just like him." She also loved any activity she could share with her siblings, but most especially of late, learning new languages with Sissy Morgan, singing 3-part harmony with Julia and Meredith, coloring pictures for her far-away brothers Neil and Gabe, or getting her back scratched by her sweet brother, Jay. One thing that she absolutely did not like, however, was math!
Most importantly to Claire, though, was her insatiable love of her Savior, Jesus Christ, who guaranteed her eternal home in Heaven when she asked Him into her heart at the young age of 3 while praying with her mommy. Claire loved to sing to Him, study His Word, memorize His promises, and learn more about Him through family devotions, children's church, and Bible studies with the incredible counselors at IPBC. And she loved to share His love with her friends and declare her place in His heart. She was never, ever ashamed of being His child, and displayed the most selfless and exuberant love for anyone who looked like they might be sad or lonely or in need of a friend, explaining that she just wanted to "do what Jesus would do."
On October 14, 2012, she and three of her siblings were involved in a tragic car accident from which she sustained traumatic brain injury. Claire died on October 22, 2012 at Sanford Children's Hospital in Fargo, ND at the young age of 11 (or, as she preferred to say, 5 for the 7th time.)
She will be greatly missed by multitudes of friends, family members, and all those whose lives she touched. She is survived by 8 brothers and sisters, Julia, Jay, Meredith, Neil, Morgan, LCpl Gabriel (Miramar Marine Base in San Diego, CA), Ross (Sarah) (LA, CA), and Cpt Phillip (US Army), her mother, Marla, "special" sister Amy, Godparents Donna and Bob Madsen, two nieces, Givana and Hayley, grandparents Lee (Wanda) Moellman of Morris and Elbow Lake, MaryAnn (Ken) Brown of Shakopee, and Maurice (Pat) Turner of Willmar, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Claire was preceded in death by her eldest brother, Matthew, and her beloved daddy, Scott Turner. We're comforted by the fact that we know she is safely in his loving arms now.
Blessed by the memory of sweet little Claire Andraiah Turner.
Funeral Services: 11 AM, Thursday, October 25, 2012 at Fergus Falls First Church of the Nazarene
Visitation: one hour prior to the service at the church
Clergy: Rev. Steve Hoffman
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Ashby
Condolences: www.GlendeNilson.com