Millicent Heaton Turley

Millicent Heaton Turley passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at the Dobson House of Hospice of the Valley in Chandler, Arizona.

Milli was born in Fredonia, Arizona May 20 th , 1947 as the youngest of ten children to C. Leonard Heaton and Edna Hoyt Robertson. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school at the age of 16. She continued on to Dixie College and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in elementary education and a minor in astronomy. During her time at ASU she met and fell in love with W. Alan Turley from Mesa, Arizona. Alan proposed and she accepted, but they had to wait to get married as Milli had already signed a teaching contract in southern California for one year. They were finally married and sealed in the St. George Temple on May 29 th , 1969. She had 6 daughters and was a very loving and dedicated wife and mother.

Her smile could cheer anyone up and she was generous with everything that she had whether it be time, hard work, or even just being a good listener. She had many talents and hobbies and lived a life of tremendous service. She loved to garden both vegetables and flowers. She also loved the stars and planets. Milli was able to be stay at home to raise her children. When her youngest was in high school she went back into the work force by helping in the daycare services and classes at the same high school. She then moved on to teach 1 st grade at Meridian Elementary in Mesa, Arizona. In October of 2006, Milli was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy in February of 2007. Through the radiation and chemotherapy, Milli continued to teach the 1 st grade. Two years later, the cancer was beaten into submission. In 2009, Milli and two of her daughters participated in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day event. There she walked 60 miles over 3 days to help raise funds for breast cancer research. In 2012 the cancer cells became active again and this time on the surface of her bones. She started different treatments that began to take their toll. Milli officially retired from teaching in December of 2013.

Through the years Milli did her very best to be the amazing Grandma she wanted to be remembered as. Regular gingerbread house decorating, sewing lessons, gardening, games and story time allowed her to create many wonderful memories with her 22 grandchildren. In 2014 a cancer spot was found and removed from her liver. After that surgery, her interminable energy started to fade. She continued to care for everyone around her even when she was exhausted. She helped her husband with unconditional love as he went through a difficult healing process from multiple back surgeries.

Milli is a wonderful example of grace, hard work, and dedication to her family and anyone who met her. She always put her family first and had a tremendous love of the gospel.

Milli is survived by her husband Alan Turley, her 6 daughters Shelley (Nathan) Carroll, Melissa Klein, Rachel (Michael) Hanchett, Heather (Matthew) Weir, Jessica (Joshua) Nickerson, Joanna (Jared) Brimhall, 22 grandchildren, 6 brothers, and 1 sister. She is preceded in death by her parents, 1 brother and 1 sister.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2016 from 6-8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services, with a nursery provided, will be held on Friday, March 4th at 10 AM, with visitation at 9 AM, at the Queen Creek Stake Center 22035 E. Octotillo Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85142. Graveside services will follow at 12.30 PM at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St. Mesa, AZ 85201

Dear Milli,

I want you to know how much you mean to me and how much I love you. You are the right person in my life to remind me to live righteously and be obedient to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. I miss you and look forward to being with you again.

All my love,

Alan