Pamela Kay Johnson-Turner

Pamela Kay (Wallrichs) Johnson-Turner, 52, passed away Friday, March 29, 2019, in Des Moines, Iowa, after a short and unexpected illness.

Pam was born on February 11, 1967 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. As the middle child she always told stories of troublemaking like her older sisters, but without the ability to “get away with it all like they did”. She began singing and making music from a young age and carried her love for song throughout her whole life, often singing in choirs, at weddings and funerals, and directing the choir at Zion Lutheran Church and the worship group Crossroads at Faith Lutheran Church, each for a time. Pam always told stories about the healing power of music and carried the belief that it would help in everything she did.

Pam’s strength and nurturing love led her to raise three children, Paige, Carter, and Aaron, with an eclectic team of family and close friends. She was unfathomably proud of all of her children, whose successes, and embarrassments, brought her joy and warmth even on the worst days. In addition to her three children, Pam was a dedicated stepmother to the four sons of her husband John, as well as a motherly figure, and grandmother, to many, many more. She loved fiercely, always wanting to make everyone feel welcome and accepted. Her ability to make anyone from strangers to family feel comfortable and valued was a cherished trait for her and for those whose lives she touched.

Pam was strong, smart, and full of life. She loved puzzles, live music, singing, and drinking coffee on her back porch while the birds sang too. She was an unbeatable proofreader and Scrabble player, always lording her high scores over those whom she beat. She was happiest knowing that everyone was able to relax and enjoy one another, and especially loved playing card games with her parents and close family until someone laughed so hard that they cried. Her handwriting was always neat and gorgeous, making her many handwritten notes so special, even if it was a note asking her kids (or John) to do their chores already. Pam was loved and will be greatly missed by so many whose lives she bossed around and touched. Her strength and compassion will live on through them all.

Survivors include her husband, John Turner; three children, Paige, Carter, and Aaron Johnson; their Father, Scott Johnson; four stepsons, Chris, AJ (Amy), Brandon (Susanne), and Dustin Turner; five grandchildren, Gracie, Natalie, Trulie, Wyatt, and Jacob Turner; Parents, Pete and Elaine Wallrichs; two sisters, Patty (Jeff) Schoening and Marcia (Vince) Pomerleau and brother, Dave (Brenda) Wallrichs; many nieces and nephews, extended family, countless friends, and her favorite dog, Marley girl.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at Faith Lutheran Church, 10395 University Avenue in Clive. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be designated at a later date.

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