Artylee Turnbull

A life-long resident of Idaho, Artylee Parkins Turnbull was born in her grandparents’ home in Sweetwater, Idaho April 27, 1927. Although not Native American, Artylee and her family attended school at Lapwai, the first integrated Indian School in the United States. In the 1930s Artylee and her family moved to a farm in the Homedale area where her father became Superintendent of Schools. In 1938 she and her family moved to and farmed near Marsing, Idaho, where she graduated from Marsing High School. While in high school Artylee was a regular on the highly rated Marsing High Girls’ Basketball Team, the editor of the school newspaper, and Valedictorian of her graduating class of 18. Artylee attended the University of Idaho where she met her husband John. There she received a two-year elementary education endorsement (required in Idaho at the time) and taught fourth grade for two years at Genesee, Idaho. Her first child (John) was born while her husband completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Husbandry. John and Artylee lived one year with his parents in Carey, Idaho before relocating to the Treasure Valley where they bought and operated a cow-calf and diversified crops ranch between Middleton and Star, Idaho. There Artylee brought 3 more children into the world; Marsha, Annette, and Scott. After receiving her four-year degree from the University of Idaho through night classes and summer sessions, Artylee became a Middleton Public School 6th grade and 7th-8th grade Language Arts teacher for 15 years. She was proud that all four of her children passed through her classes (and received passing grades as well). In 1964 Artylee received a National Education Defense Act grant to complete her Master’s Degree in English/ Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Oregon. This was the U.S. Government’s effort to improve American public education in the subjects English, Math, and Science after Russia launched the Sputnik Satellite in 1957. In 1973 Artylee was hired by the Meridian School District to teach English, Journalism, “and a few 8th grade classes” before becoming the first teacher to retire from the new Centennial High School in 1988. Although she had a busy career in education, Artylee always found time for her first loves; home and family, following her husband’s and children’s activities in school, and raising American Quarter horses. She and husband John actively promoted and campaigned two horses to an AQHA Championship and 6th place finish in Junior Working Cowhorse at the American Quarter Horse Association World Show in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In later years, Artylee was also actively involved in AARP, serving as Idaho’s State Director and developing an office for Idaho State Legislators as well as the State Association in Boise, Idaho. In 1984 Artylee and John moved to a smaller ranch at the Boise River Bridge in Star, Idaho where they soon turned the ranch over to supporting neighbors who would later purchase the ranch when she and John retired. Their retirement years were spent boating and fishing on the Owyhee and Brownlee Reservoirs and visiting children and grandchildren in Oregon, Oklahoma, Montana, and Wyoming until John’s health declined. Artylee celebrated 61 years of marriage with John October 25, 2008 before he passed away January 9, 2009. On her birthday April 10, 2009, Artylee moved into Chateau de Boise where she kept busy with amateur photography. Highlights of the Chateau years were two-three week trips. The first was with her son Scott who served as her chauffeur as they drove throughout the central United States visiting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The second was a trip to Florence, Oregon where she stayed with her daughter Marsha and was present at the birth of her 10th great-grandbaby on New Year’s Eve. Artylee Parkins Turnbull touched many lives throughout her almost 91 years; many through teaching and others through her interest in people, places, and events. She will be missed by all who were privileged to have her pass through their lives and who were recipients of her wisdom and wit. Truly Artylee lived a life full of energy, interest, and care. A special thank you and appreciation goes out to the medical team at St. Alphonsus Hospital Curtis Road in Boise, Idaho and to the staff and administrators at Spring Creek Eagle Island Edgewood Senior Living Center in Eagle, Idaho. Last and most importantly, thank you goes to Artylee’s son Scott who served as her “at a moment’s notice” chauffer for the last months of her life, to her son John whose piano music made her smile, and to her daughters Annette Gleason and Marsha Klosterman whose love, care, and support were with her until the end. A memorial service for Artylee will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Eagle Christian Church, 100 Short Ln, Eagle, ID. Please use the south entrance (entrance #4). Condolences may be given at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com. Service Information