Patsy Ruth Turnbull's Obituary
Pat Turnbull of Garland passed from this earth on April 12, 2012 in the comfort of her home after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. Pat was born Patsy Ruth Blair on January 9, 1934, in Eufaula, OK, the daughter of Tiny Floyd Blair and Carrie Isabel Bumgarner. In May 1963, Pat & Henry Kirchner moved their young family from Broken Arrow, OK to their first house in Garland where Pat’s roots grew for nearly 50 years. Pat was active in the Garland PTA and worked in the office at Bullock Elementary during the ’60s and early ’70s. In recognition of her service to the schools, the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers granted Pat an Honorary Life Membership in 1970. Prior to the onset of Parkinson’s Disease, Pat was an active member of the Presbyterian Church and was ordained a Elder at St. Matthew’s Presbyterian Church in Garland in 1976. She retired from the dental profession at age 55 where she made orthodontic appliances and dental molds. In retirement, Pat answered the call to work with injured birds. She volunteered hundreds of hours each year to Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, where she rehabilitated sick, injured and orphaned birds of all types. Pat is preceded in death by both parents, her brother Bill Blair, Henry L. Kirchner, her husband of 19 years and father of her children, Thomas E. Turnbull, husband of 7 years, and many dogs and cats that played significant roles in her life. Pat is survived by Chris Tapley, her friend of 25 years who took such good care of her during her last years, son Steven Kirchner and his wife Sandra, daughter Blaire Kirchner and her partner Jazzmyn Letz, daughter Melanie Cooper and her husband Roger, five grandchildren and one great-grandson. Family and friends will gather to celebrate Pat’s life on Thursday, April 19 at 3:30 PM at the Firewheel Bible Fellowship, 2402 Castle Drive in Rowlett. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation or the charity of your choice.
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