Eunice M. Turnbom, 101, Fertile, MN, died Tuesday, January 2, 2017, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home, in Fertile.

Eunice Marjorie Bennes was born on November 19, 1916, to Ed and Selma Bennes, at their home in Garden Township, near Rindal, MN. Eunice was baptized and confirmed at Faaberg Lutheran Church, Rindal. She grew up on the family farm with her brothers; Alvin, Earlin, Milton, and Harris. She attended Willow Creek country school, followed by Fertile High School for two years, working as a babysitter for her room and board. When McIntosh Public School began a bus route, she enrolled there. Together with her brother, Milton, she continued high school, graduating in 1936. Following graduation, Eunice worked on her family farm, as well as for others who needed her help, and at the Bear Park Store. Eunice loved children, and made lifelong friendships with many of the babies that she took care of.

During WWII, Eunice, and her good friend, Florence Hoidahl, went to Seattle, Washington, to work at Boeing Aircraft in the defense plant. After the war, she returned to Minnesota. Eunice was united in marriage to Arnold Turnbom on June 22, 1946. Eunice was a very good cook and baker. Together, she and Arnold operated the Rindal Café until 1952. They moved to Fertile and made a cozy home at 110 Albert Avenue. Eunice was an excellent seamstress, and took in sewing and alteration jobs, along with all of the clothes she made for her family. Arnold and Eunice began managing the Rindal Coop Mercantile in 1964. Arnold passed away suddenly on July 30, 1969. After his death, Eunice, a young widow, began working in the kitchen at the Fair Meadow Nursing Home. She worked there for 18 years, and eventually became the dietary supervisor. In 2000, she sold her home and moved into the Northwest Apartments, where she continued to live until December, 2011, when at the age of 95, she moved into Fair Meadow Nursing Home.

Eunice had always been an active and faithful member of Concordia Lutheran Church. She was involved in circle, ladies aid, and quilting. Her hobbies included making her yard and home look beautiful with flowers, cooking and baking, sewing, crocheting, knitting, and hardanger. (She brought home many ribbons from the Polk County Fair for her work).

Eunice is survived by her daughters: Mary Ellen (Dean) Salveson, Erskine, MN, and Marlys (Ken) Hay, Harwood, ND, grandsons Jonathan and Steven Hay, her sister-in-law, Adorine Bennes, Fertile, and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and grandson Tim Hay.

Funeral: 10:30AM Monday, January 8, 2018, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.

Visitation: One hour before the funeral at the church.

Burial: Concordia Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN.