Dorothy Rae Turley

Dorothy Rae Turley leaves this earth as a beloved mother, Mimi, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She passed away on January 2, 2024 surrounded by the love of her four children, Sue Holmes, Cinda Stone, Nancy Rink and Bob Turley. She had a positive, smiling and grateful heart throughout her life to the end—two weeks shy of her 97th birthday. She is survived also by a loving daughter-in-law, Susan Turley and her 14 grandchildren and their partners, Alison (Erich), Tracie (Adam), JT (Brittany), Amy (Chad), Brian (Jenny), Drew (Courtney), Trevor (Rachel), Tyler (Faith), Ellie, Stephanie, Chris (Laura), Katie (Kirby), Travis (Emily) and Jenna (Zach) and 11 greatgrandchildren, Jasper, Cora, Ryder, Jax, Sophie, McKenzie, Tanner, Alex, Hudson, McKayla, and Cooper. She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Turley and son-in-law, Patrick Rink and her five sisters, Evelyn, Marty, Neva, Vida, and Alice.

Rae was born on a farm in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Her five older sisters looked after “Baby Rae” as she fed chickens, milked cows and rode her horse, Patches. The six sisters shared a love of laughter (giggles) which she carried with her throughout her years. She was quite the basketball star in high school and would often show off her skills to her own children. After high school, Rae was convinced to move to Arizona and attend ASU by her dear sister, Marty. Rae, a business major, would explore Arizona with her best friend Mary Jean and eventually meet her college love, Keith, who co-owned the Campus Inn eatery with her then boyfriend. They were wed for 49 laughter-filled years, which centered on the raising of their 4 children and traveling Arizona and beyond, before Keith’s passing. 

Rae’s life was filled with family and many other passions. She enjoyed golfing with her friends in a 9-hole group, golfing trips with couples, spending summers in Coronado and Flagstaff with family and friends, attending Broadway musicals in New York and plays at the Herberger Theatre, co-hosting the multi-family Laborious Olympics on Labor Day weekend in Flagstaff, playing Mahjong and Mexican Train Dominos with friends. 

She was a dedicated fan of the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks and ASU, attending games regularly. As her children grew and attended either U of A or her alma mater, ASU, college sporting events became a fun family rivalry. Her home was a gathering place for watching sporting events, celebrations, and holidays where all were welcomed. 

Rae was a charter member of Shepherd of the Hills United Church of Christ where she taught Sunday School and attended for over sixty years. She also lived a life dedicated to service and supported many charities that were dear to her heart. She was a patron of the Herberger Theatre and a docent at the Heard Museum even volunteering in their gift shop. She also was a volunteer member of the Assistance League of Phoenix where she wrangled items for the League Shop and chaired the League’s fundraising event.

Rae/Mimi was ever-present in the lives of her grandchildren, supporting their goals, celebrating their achievements and always ready with a loving word or a gentle push when needed. She also enjoyed many dear friendships over the years which brought great joy and meaning to her life. 

Rae Turley was a lady of style, sharp, hard-working, and always shared her kind heart with her large and extended family, her many friends and her community. Her loving spirit, for which we are all grateful, will be sorely missed and long remembered. 

Services will be Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11 A.M. at Shepherd of the Hills United Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Heard Museum, Assistance League of Phoenix or Hospice of the Valley.