Willie Ann Schlaegel

9-22-1923 to 11-08-2019

Willie Ann Schlaegel was loaned from heaven on 9-22-23 to Luther and Hazel (Robinson)Turney in Welling, Oklahoma.  Her greatest longing was fulfilled when she returned to heaven to join her "ever-loving Ralph" on 11-08-19 after battling a blood disorder.

She was preceded in death by Ralph on 3-29-18, her parents, brother Kenneth Turney, sister Dorothy, and countless other family members and friends.

Through circumstances beyond her control she assumed the role of "mother" to her siblings at an early age, and was devoted to the care of her severely ill mother.  Even though ill, her Mom taught her about life and faith during the countless hours Willie Ann stayed by her side.  She died when Willie Ann was 13 years old but her legacy lived on in her daughter, who spent her life lovingly serving others.

The family moved to California and Willie Ann and her sister lived with wonderful foster parents until she met and married Ralph on 12-24-1941.  They lived in San Jose, CA. where she was a homemaker.  She loved her Lord Jesus Christ and all little children, teaching Sunday School creatively with flannel graph art, and giving childcare for numerous families in later years.  Her hobbies were gardening, raising kittens, and caring for her family in her younger years.

They moved to Pollock Pines CA. in 1963 where she enjoyed working in her beautiful yard, growing flowers, mountain hikes, and traveling or playing cards with the senior group at their church.  She entertained locals as well as visitors and was known for her great hospitality, cooking and baking.

They moved to Roseville CA in 2009 and stayed until Ralph's poor health led them to finally join their 2 daughters and families in Coeur d'Alene ID in 2013.  She continued caring for Ralph until they moved to Brookdale Senior Living in Dec. 2017, where they were blessed with the friendship of many wonderful residents and staff members.  But after 76 years together she was "lost" without Ralph and focused mainly on praying for the needs of so many around her.  She was not given to gossip and lived by the phrase "Give the SUNSHINE to others, tell JESUS the rest".  She is greatly missed already but will not be forgotten by those of us who loved her so much.

Willie Ann is survived by her daughter Donna Branson (Wayne) of Coeur d'Alene, son Norm Schlaegel (Rosemarie) of Livermore, California, and daughter Cathye Clayton (Bob), of Coeur d’Alene; grandsons Tim Branson (Leslee) and Mark Branson all of Coeur d'Alene, Dan Branson of Sacramento, CA., Kevin Clayton (Crystal) of Taylors, S.C., Chris Clayton (Harmony) of Missoula Mt.. granddaughters Christina Martinez (Monte) of Castro Valley CA, Elena Schlaegel of Livermore CA, Becca Gregg (Mike) of Hayden ID.. Her many great grandchildren and 3 great great grands loved her very much.  They are Sam Branson, Mark and Brian Clayton, Jacob Haynes, Drew Martinez, Zachary Schlaegel, Journey and Jovie Clayton, Aeden and Chloee Branson, Zachariah, Sydni and Gabriel Branson.

Three "adopted" families who were special to Willie Ann are Jon and Carol Souza of Sacramento CA, Andre and Rhonda Ney of Spokane Valley, Wa, and Lori Schultz and daughter Christina of CA..  She loved countless friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family throughout the years.

Enjoy Eternity with Daddy and Jesus, Mom.  Free from worry. We are thankful for the hope of heaven--see you soon!