Liz Turner, age 79, of Rutherfordton, passed away September 16, 2017, following a period of declining health. A celebration of her life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Rutherfordton, NC, Saturday, September 23 at 11:00 A.M with Reverend Dr. Sydnor Thompson III officiating. Visitation will follow in the Family Life Center at the church. Liz was born December 2, 1937, in Mishawaka, Indiana; the daughter of Lyle and Alice Hughes. Liz's love of music was life-long and began when she played trumpet in the high school band and orchestra making 1st chair and meeting her future husband, Ken, also a trumpet player in the Mishawaka High School Band. While being a loving wife, mother, and homemaker she also worked as a secretary, poodle breeder, artist, art teacher, floral designer, and decorator. She was an excellent seamstress, making beautiful clothes, window treatments, and pillows. She volunteered at the Rutherford Hospital, was a member of the Rutherford Hospital Auxiliary and worked in the gift shop. Liz joined the First United Methodist Church in 1965, when she and her family moved to Rutherfordton. She was a member of the choir for thirty years, a member of several circles, including the Betty Wolfe Circle. Liz enjoyed her membership and service in the Rutherfordton Garden Club. Liz is survived by her husband of sixty years, Kenneth L. Turner, the love of her life; one daughter Lynn and her sons Nicholas, Michael, and Turner. Two sons Jeff Turner and his wife Jan and their children Stuart and Claire; Greg Turner and his wife Brooke and their children Gentry and Olivia; her brothers Phillip Hughes and his wife Carol of Stevensville, Michigan, and Michael Hughes and his wife Sue of Woodstock , Georgia. Liz is survived by her great- grandchildren Brinley, Alistair, Greta, Meredith, and Phoebe Clement and Elizabeth Trout and Brendan Hunt. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church; 264 North Main Street; Rutherfordton, NC 28139. An online guest register available at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com. McMahan's Funeral Home & Cremation Services in charge of arrangements.