Mary Rose Turner, 84, of Mahnomen, MN, died Thursday, August 30, 2007, in her home.

Mary Rose was born February 26, 1923, in Naytahwaush, MN, to James W. and Annie (Armstrong) Johnson. Growing up, she lived at Perch Lake, near Big Rice Lake and attended school in Naytahwaush. As a young lady, Mary Rose worked in Hibbing, MN, and Fargo, ND. On May 1, 1948, her son, T.J. was born.

Mary Rose was united in marriage on January 31, 1951, to Edward "Sam" Turner, Sr. They made their home in Naytahwaush, where she worked as a cook at the Naytahwaush School. Sam died in 1977 and Mary Rose continued to make her home in Naytahwaush. After working as a home health aide for many years, she retired in the early 1980?s. In September of 2005, Mary Rose moved to Valley View Commons in Mahnomen, where she made new friends, shared recipes and enjoyed the Bingo games.

Mary Rose was a very traditional person who knew and lived the old ways of her Indian culture. She was a caring, sharing, loving individual and devout Catholic. She was also an avid baseball and football fan. Mary Rose enjoyed putting puzzles together, cooking, baking bread and was always looking for new recipes. She made the best beans you've ever had.

She is survived by her step-son, Edward "Sandy" Turner, Jr. and his wife, Beverly, of Naytahwaush, MN, a special niece, Cheryl Menard of Hinckley, MN, and her best friend, Loretta Ross, of Little Falls, MN, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mary Rose was preceded in death by her son, Truman Johnson "T.J."; her husband, Sam Turner; two brothers, Truman Johnson and Joseph Johnson; and one sister, Ida Foss.

Blessed be the memory of Mary Rose Turner.