The Ekalaka Eagle - Your Community Builder

Doris Darlene (Burch) Turnbough, age 83, of Broadus, Montana passed away Saturday, June 26, 2021, at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, Montana after a valiant health battle for many months.

She was born on February 21, 1938, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota to R.O. and Eunice P. Major Burch, who ranched on Box Elder Creek near Ridgeway, Montana. She joined a four-year-old sister, Charlotte, and her younger brother, Robert O., joined the family four years later. Doris attended rural schools, including Hawks Home, Moseley, Climax, then one year of high school in Ekalaka, Montana before graduating from Belle Fourche High School.

Doris met Norman Turnbough and after attending a square dance together, they decided to spend their life together. After the couple was married, they moved to Weston, Wyoming where Norman worked for Earl McConnel for two and half years and then moved back to the Burch's for two years. By that time, they had their four children, Rick Robin, DaLonda Rae, Norma Darlene, and Randy Clayton.

In August, 1961 the family moved to Powder River County where they raised their family working on several ranches. In 1970 they leased the Ed & Reva Joslyn place before purchasing it in 1973. In 1970 Doris bought a registered Quarter Horse mare from her mother, the mare was bred to a horse of Harold Burch's and that was the start of the Turnbough Quarter Horse program. Doris was instrumental in helping start the Powder River Quarter Horse Breeders Association where she served as the first secretary, a board member for many years.

In 1981, Doris started her 30-year career as a dispatcher for the Powder River County Sheriff's office. After she retired, she kept herself busy with her numerous hobbies, she was an avid quilter and was known for her beautiful patterns and design. She was also a great sewer and seamstress, she even sewed prom dresses for both of her daughters. Nobody ever left her table hungry, she was an amazing cook and baker, she made wonderful rhubarb pies. Dogs, especially rat terriers, found a great home with Doris, she had endless love for her dogs. Many days were spent in her garden, she and Norman took great pride in their garden and flowers. In her later years she had a special love for her Dorper sheep that gave her hours of enjoyment watching them from her perch in the living room of her house. She was always excited to see her grandbabies and grandkids, she gleamed with joy as they walked through her door and were greeted by her big smile and twinkling eyes.

Doris is survived by her husband of 66 years, Norman Turnbough; three children, Rick (Carmen) Turnbough, DaLonda "Lonnie"(Rick Ufen) Carter and Randy (Lori) Turnbough; grandchildren, Tavy Turnbough, Nsuaha "Brandi" (Quantez Nichols) Turnbough-Nichols, Robin (Kevin) Hill, Nancy (Casey) Trent, Katrina (Kent) Lombard, Henry Blackwell, Jr., Misty (David) Oenema, Monte (Abi) Turnbough, LaShay (Jonathan) Robinson, Eli Turnbough, Jerett (Aubrey) Turnbough, and Lee Turnbough; great-grandchildren of Tai Jhada Turnbough, Rocey Turnbough, Tatiyhana Turnbough, Ryan Turnbough, DaShawn Zuniga, Tyler Hill, Brady Hill, Drew Hill, Kaylee Trent, Kaydin Trent, Samuel Lombard, Sophia Lombard, Kingston Abbott, Roman Oenema, Evangeline Oenema, Kolton Williams, Bridger Tille, Jonathan Robinson, Jr., Montie Robinson, Ja-Rail Robinson, Everett Turnbough; great-great-grandchild Taiddin Turnbough; sister Charlotte King; son-in-law Ray Abbott and numerous nieces, nephews and a large extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, R.O. and Eunice Burch; daughter Norma Abbott, grandson Kelsey Abbott, her brother Robert O. Burch, baby sister Rowena Burch, and brother-in-law Argaylon King.

A graveside service will take place at the Beaverlodge Cemetery in Ekalaka on Thursday, July 1 at 10 a.m. A light luncheon will follow at The Ekalaka Bible Church. Condolences can be made to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com.