Patricia Lee (Bridges) Turner, 96, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2022. at St. Luke’s Nursing Center in Carthage, Missouri. Patricia was born August 28, 1926, in Little Rock, Arkansas to Carl R. Bridges, Sr. and Nellie Grace (Spicer) Bridges. She moved to Carthage, Missouri with her parents when she was five years old and remained until her death. During high school Patricia was a member of the Olympians, National Honor Society, Band, and Orchestra. She graduated from Carthage High School in 1944. After high school, she was employed at Leggett & Platt as a secretary for George Beimdiek. Sr. and Harry M. Cornell, Sr. Patricia was then employed as a medical secretary for Dr. Richard R. Cohle for 23 years. She also worked for Dr. Peter Richardson, Dr. Greg Unruh, and Dr. Harold Smart for 10 years. Patricia was a member of the Carthage First Baptist Church for more than 80 years. While attending, she taught Sunday School for the Junior Department for several years. Patricia had several articles published in magazines. She enjoyed writing about the Great Depression in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Patricia loved her family deeply and she will be missed by family and friends.
Patricia is survived by two daughters, Carla Jean (Turner) Whitman and Dana Lee Turner, both of Carthage, Missouri; three grandchildren, Chris Lynn Wheat and wife, Terri Deann Wheat, of Ozark, Missouri, Darren Gene Wheat and wife, Ashley Krystal Wheat, of Joplin, Missouri, and Shelby Dale Neely of Carthage, Missouri; 3 great grandchildren, Krista Lynn Wheat and Kinsey Mae Wheat, both of Ozark, Missouri, and Tyler Dale Bates of Carthage, Missouri; one niece, Judy Crawford; and one nephew, Jerry Bridges.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Nellie Bridges; her brother, Carl R. Bridges, Jr.; sister-in-law, Patty Bridges; and nephew, Jack Bridges.
Patricia’s family would like to thank Dr. Harold Smart and all the nurses and staff at St. Luke’s Nursing Center.
There will be a private family graveside service for Patricia at Park Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri.
Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
