Lillian Rita Turk

Lillian R. Turk, 97, passed away at home Monday, Dec. 17, 2018.  She was born May 18, 1921 in Butte, Montana, to Mary Gallagher McGowan and Manus McGowan.  Both her parents were from County Donegal, Ireland.  Lillian attended Butte schools, and graduated from Butte High School in 1939.  

The family of Lillian’s future husband, John W. Turk, owned a dairy farm in Butte, and she met John as he delivered milk to their house.  John and Lillian carried on a courtship during the years before the Second World War, but put marriage on hold until John returned from the war.  Meanwhile, Lillian moved to Tacoma, Washington with her mother and brother, Dennis, where he found a job as a longshoreman, and she worked for the Boeing Company as a “Rosy-The-Riveter”.  

John and Lillian were married on Feb. 2, 1946 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Tacoma.  Then they returned to Butte for a few years, during which time their first child, Michael, was born in 1950.  In 1951 they re-located to Moscow, Idaho, with Michael and adopted son, Don.  There they purchased The Moscow Florist & Gift Shop, which remained in the family for over 50 years.  Also while in Moscow, three more children joined the family:  Patricia in 1952, Timothy in 1957, and David in 1960.

John and Lillian were very active parishioners of St. Mary’s Parish.  Their children attended St. Mary’s School, and later Moscow High School.  Lillian was a member of St. Bernadette’s Guild, the Catholic Women’s League, and participated in the local Cancer Drive for many years.  John & Lillian were both members of the Moose Lodge, the Eagles Auxiliary.

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents and her 3 brothers:  Charles, Manus and Dennis.  Her husband, John, died in March 2009.  She is survived by Don Turk (Amelia), Michael Turk, and Tim Turk of Moscow; by Patricia Turk of Novato, CA; by David Turk (Eileen) of Bellingham, WA; and by 4 grandchildren:  Nathan Turk, Emily Turk, Greg Turk, and Jake Turk.

A Rosary and funeral Mass will be held Friday, Dec. 21st, at St Mary’s Catholic Church, starting at 12:30 pm. 

Following burial at the Moscow Cemetery, a reception will be held at St. Mary’s Family Center. 

The family suggests donations to St. Mary’s School Foundation and/ or St. Vincent De Paul.  We also wish to thank Family Home Care and Elite Hospice for their excellent service during this difficult time. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Shorts Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and on-line condolences may be sent to: www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.           

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