Lynn Marie Cox

Lynn Marie Cox (Turney), 76, of Yakima, WA, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2024, after battling complications from a heart attack and stroke. In her final days, she was surrounded by friends and family in Yakima. Lynn was born on April 28, 1948, in Everett, WA, to Wellman "Bill" Douglas Turney and Barbara Belle (McPherson) Turney. She attended Davis High School, graduating in 1966, and later earned an early childhood education certificate from Yakima Valley College.

Before moving to Yakima, Lynn lived in Ellensburg and West Seattle (Alki), enjoying beach walks and the stunning views from the Friedlander. A devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, Lynn touched countless lives through her work in the West Valley School District and her service to the community. She was known for her generous spirit and warm hospitality, always offering a meal to anyone who visited her home.

On August 9, 1980, Lynn married Jerry Michael Cox at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Yakima, WA. Together, they raised one son, David, before divorcing after 18 years of marriage. Lynn found immense joy in tending to her rose garden and yard, and she loved cooking, baking, reading, and traveling. Family holidays and trips to the Oregon Coast, Arizona, and the Southeast to visit her grandchildren were among her most cherished memories.

Lynn retired after many years of service in the West Valley School District, where she shaped the lives of many children. She was also an active member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir for many years.

Lynn is survived by her son, David Cox (Mandi) of Alpharetta, GA; her beloved grandchildren, Collins and Coleman Cox; and her sisters, Donna Turney and Deborah Wilson of Yakima. She is also survived by her nieces, Becca (Ken Hayden) Hayden, Maggie (Zach Myers) Wilson, and Tara (Jason Clevenger) Turney; grandnieces, Natalie and Lilly Wilson; grandnephews, Gavin and Jaxon Wilson and Ryan Turney; her cousin Austin Charles Turney of Lawrence, Kansas, and Cheryl Shuh of Aberdeen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Barbara Belle and Wellman "Bill" Turney, and her beloved uncle, Austin Henry Turney of Lawrence, Kansas.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Entombment will take place at a later date at Terrace Heights Memorial Park Mausoleum. Keith & Keith Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly welcomes contributions to assist with final arrangements or donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association to support dementia research and care. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at keithandkeith.com.

The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff at Landmark Care Center, MultiCare Memorial in Yakima, and Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle for their care and compassion. Special thanks to Steve Avila (Diane), Sandy (Mancinelli) and Anton Jones, Vivian Purdom, Sheila Pierce, and the congregation at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church for their unwavering support.