Winona Mae (JuVette) Turner
Winona Mae (JuVette) Turner, 90, Holcombe, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, surrounded by the loving care of her family, caretakers and friends.
Winona was born Nov. 25, 1935, in Holcombe, to Charles and Ethel (Hunt) JuVette, and graduated from Holcombe High School, in 1953.
She was a woman blessed with many gifts – creative, resourceful and nurturing. Her hands were rarely still; she spent countless hours quilting, crocheting, painting, gardening, canning and caring for the variety of animals, who found their place on her farm.
With a remarkable ability to create life from even the smallest seed, she became known for her extraordinary green thumb. Friends, neighbors and family often sought her advice, when their gardens struggled to match the beauty she created so effortlessly.
Winona cherished her relationships deeply. Just as she nurtured plants, she nurtured people – with patience, humor and genuine warmth. Her welcoming spirit drew others in, whether they shared coffee around her kitchen table, visited her flower-filled patio, among chickens and bird feeders, or simply crossed paths with her in town.
She greeted everyone with a smile, quick wit and an open heart, offering acceptance and compassion, without hesitation.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Winona served faithfully at Martin Mission Church in many roles: pianist, parishioner, bookkeeper and ultimately, pastor’s wife. The congregation became like family to her and she loved them deeply.
Winona looked forward to Sunday services and the potlucks that followed, embracing every opportunity for fellowship. Her love for Jesus was evident in her words, actions and generous spirit.
Together, with her late husband, Bill, she supported mission organizations, both locally and around the world, living out her belief in caring for others.
Winona’s legacy is one of kindness, hospitality, faith, and a life lived with purpose and love. All who knew her, will carry her memory through the many ways she touched their lives.
She cultivated a large family tree and is survived by her brother – Eugene Juvette; grandchildren – Marc (Molly) Hughes, Elizabeth (Jake) Davis, Bethany Velie-Cecot, Rebecca (Michael) Barnhardt, Jacob (Suzanne) Velie and Joshua (Leah) Velie; 13 great-grandchildren; stepniece – Lisa JuVette; stepnephew – Eric Nieland; five stepchildren – Dan (Pam), Tyler (Marlene), Clark (Terri), John (Mary Ann) and Billie (Ken); including the many loved stepgrandchildren and great-grandchildren from the Turner, Gohde and Cynor families.
She was preceded in death by her parents – Ethel and Charles JuVette; three daughters – Ramona (John) Hughes, Wendy (Keith) Velie and Rebecca (David) Gohde; husbands – Dale Weiss and Bill Turner; brothers –Lloyd and Franklin JuVette; sisters-in-law – Trish (Eugene) Ju-Vette and Sandra Weiss; grandson – Nathan Cynor; and stepson – Timber Turner.
Winona’s family extends their deepest gratitude, to the compassionate staff and caregivers, of Cornell Health Services and St. Croix Hospice, for their unwavering dedication and gentle care. The kindness, patience and heartfelt connections you shared with her, brought great comfort and she truly cherished each of you.
A celebration of life is at the Lake Holcombe Town Hall, Saturday, May 30, at 10 a.m., with a committal service to follow at the Holcombe Cemetery, with lunch served afterward, at the hall.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.bortonleiserfuneralhome. com. Borton-Leiser Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Cornell, is assisting the family.
