Charlotte Turner Laird

Charlotte Turner Laird, 94, passed away February 25, 2023, at Deerfield Retirement Community in Urbandale, Iowa, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 3424 Forest Ave. in Des Moines.

Charlotte was born April 8, 1928, in Missouri Valley, Iowa. She graduated from Modale High School in Modale, IA, attended Iowa State Teachers College, received a Bachelor’s degree from University of Omaha, and did graduate work at Drake University. Before beginning her career, Charlotte served in the US Air Force. Upon her return, she taught Kindergarten in Dallas Center, Council Bluffs and Omaha, Nebraska public schools. She was a real estate agent, secretary in the Iowa Legislature, and elected to the West Des Moines Park Board.

Charlotte was active in Questers, PEO, Saturday Saints Guild, Des Moines Golf and Country Club, two Needlework groups, her bridge clubs, and was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Charlotte married Richard C. Turner and this union produced children, Joe, Amy and Mark. Charlotte was active in Richard’s political career and in her children’s activities. After Richard’s death in 1986, Charlotte married Russell “Rusty” Laird in 1993. Rusty passed in 2015.

Charlotte is survived by her son, Joe W. Turner (Kim) of Bettendorf, IA; daughter, Amy E. Fox of Clive, IA; step-son, Timothy Laird (Lori); step-daughter, Meri Jones (Lynn); granddaughters, Christine Perkins (David) and Ellen Rasmussen (Zachary); grandsons, John Fox, Nicholas Fox and Richard Turner; and great-grandchildren, Ryan, Jayne, and Joe.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her husbands; and son, Mark Turner.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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