MIRIAM TURNER

Miriam Dorothy (Boop) Turner, 81, of Mountain Top, passed away peacefully at her home on September 14, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Born on May 18, 1944, in Mifflinburg, PA, Miriam was the daughter of the late Olan and Martha Boop. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Clair Boop, and sister, Mary Kahl Boop.

Miriam grew up working on her family’s farm in Mifflinburg before building a career defined by determination and achievement. She served with the Mifflinburg Police Department, excelled in various business ventures, and became the top-grossing salesperson in the nation for Culligan Water.

Miriam’s life was one of resilience and deep faith. Though she endured the heartbreak of losing four children in infancy, she was blessed with her beloved daughter, Lori Michelle Deckman, whom she shared with her first husband, Richard Krouse. Richard passed away in 1993 after a long fight with cancer. In 1996, Miriam married Lyle Turner, who remained her loving husband throughout the years.

A woman of adventurous spirit and unwavering love for God, Miriam dedicated much of her life to ministry. She helped establish a local chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association and made history as the first woman to serve as president of a CMA chapter. Even after a serious car accident left her with lasting injuries, Miriam pressed forward in her calling. 

Miriam will be remembered for her resilience, her zest for life, and her boundless compassion. Over the past 20+ years, along with her husband, Lyle, she coordinated more than 50 mission trips to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Kenya, raising over a quarter of a million dollars of aid and hope to the poorest regions and communities in need. Often in pain and wheelchair-bound, she continued to travel, organize, and minister to others until her passing, leaving a lasting mark on all who served alongside her and all who were blessed by her compassion.

Miriam is survived by her husband, Lyle, and his children, Amber and Alan Turner, and grandchildren; her daughter, Lori, and her husband, Michael; her grandsons, Caleb and Gabriel; and countless friends, ministry partners, and lives around the world who were touched by her love and generosity.

A celebration of Miriam’s life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, 11:00 AM, at Rescue & Restore Church, 120 Willow Avenue, Olyphant, PA 18447 with Visitation from 10:00 am until time of celebration. Interment will be on Monday, September 22nd at 11:00 AM at Lincoln Chapel Cemetery in Laurelton, PA, where she will be laid to rest beside her late husband, Richard, and two of her infant daughters.

One of Miriam’s mission projects and heart's desires was to drill a well in Kenya. So, in lieu of flowers, please donate to this mission project at www.rescuerestorechurch.com (click the “Giving” tab), or mail a check to Rescue & Restore Church (address above).

Miriam’s legacy of faith, strength, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.