Nancy Jean Turner Gurba

In Loving Memory of Nancy Jean Turner Gurba, Nancy Jean Turner Gurba, a beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sibling, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 29th, 2024 in Kansas City, MO at the age of 67. Born on May 17th, 1957 in Twin Falls, Idaho, Nancy touched countless lives with her kindness, warmth, and unwavering spirit. Nancy's life unfolded in many meaningful chapters, a testament to a life richly lived. Born Nancy Jean Johnson to Joann (Buso) Johnson and Howard Johnson, she was adopted by Fern and Claude Hill before her first birthday, becoming Nancy Jean Hill. Raised in Kansas City, KS, alongside her step-sister Vicki Zancker Hill, Nancy excelled in various pursuits from a young age. In her preteens, she competed in numerous bowling tournaments, earning 2nd place in the YBA Women’s State Championship. An avid reader and diligent student, Nancy thrived at Whittier Elementary and Wyandotte High School.

Nancy met her first husband, William (Bill) Turner Jr., in high school. They welcomed their first child, Jo Ellyn, in July 1972. Nancy and BIll wed in May 1975 and settled in Kansas City, Kansas. Their second child, Brooke, was born in October 1981. Nancy aimed to provide well for her family, so she dedicated over 20 years to her role as a supervisor at American Riggers Supply. In 2003, she embraced a new opportunity by opening a coffee shop called a Cup of Joe in Indian Springs Mall. Nancy also worked as a sales associate at Nebraska Furniture Mart while caring for Bill until his passing in 2008.

Nancy began a new chapter in her life when she met W.M. (Mike) Gurba, and they were married in October 2012. Through this union, she gained three stepsons: Dave, Joseph, and James Gurba, and their families. During this period, Nancy worked as a sales associate at Sam’s Club in Grandview, MO, where she remained until her retirement in December 2018. After retiring, Nancy and Mike remained in Grandview and enjoyed cherishing moments with friends, family, and their grandchildren: Clarissa, Christiana, Savannah, Scarlett, Anthony, James Jr., Jack, Bella, and Walter Basil. Throughout their journey together, they were blessed by the embrace of an extraordinary church community, where friends quickly became like family.

Nancy was preceded in death by Joann (Buso) Garrett [biological mother], Howard Johnson [biological father], Fern Hill [adoptive mother], Claude Hill [adoptive father], Cathy Garrett [biological sister], Ruben Reveles [biological brother], and William E. Turner Jr. [former husband]. Nancy is survived by W.M. (Mike) Gurba [husband], Brooke ODell [daughter] and husband Aaron ODell, Jo Ellyn Garrelts-Lamb [daughter], Dave Gurba [stepson] and wife Bethany, Joseph Gurba [stepson] and wife Sarah, James Gurba [stepson], Candy Garrett [biological sister], Vickie Johnston [biological sister], Debbie Brown [biological sister], Patricia Harris [biological sister], Cindy Hollenbaugh [biological sister], Jimmy Garrett [biological brother], Anna Gomez [biological sister], Tommy Garrett [biological brother], and Vicki Durham [adoptive sister], many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.

Nancy's legacy of kindness, love, compassion, and unwavering joy will continue to inspire and uplift those who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts.