Nancy C. (Fowler) Turnbull

Nancy C. Turnbull passed away at The Caring Place in Franklin, PA on January 24, 2026.  Nancy was born on October 16, 1930, in Pittsburgh, PA, the younger daughter of the late Frank H. and Clara Beighey Fowler. Her father’s job transfer from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Pittsburgh that year had moved the family to Wilkinsburg, PA, where she graduated from WHS in 1948. 

On November 23, 1951, Nancy married Harry L. P. Turnbull in Calvary Lutheran Church of Wilkinsburg. They raised their three daughters in Wilkinsburg until 1968 when Harry’s new job moved the family to Oil City.

Nancy was active in the Newcomers Club for years after the move, welcoming other new families into the area. She was in the Women’s Circles of Zion Lutheran Church, sang in the church choir, and was on the altar flower guild. Nancy delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. She was also a long-time member of the local women’s barbershop group of Sweet Adelines, both in the chorus and in several quartets, and sang in Venango Chorus as well.   

When Harry fought cancer after he retired, Nancy was his caregiver until he passed away in 1995. She was also preceded in death by her parents in the early 1980s and her older sister, Shirley F. Yolton, in 2023.

In April of 2021, as Nancy’s health declined, she moved to The Caring Place in Franklin to get the care she needed. It was a difficult transition for her, especially during the pandemic.

Nancy is survived by her daughters Joyce (Gary) Dittman, Jan Ruditis, and Joan (Douglas) McElhatten, and grandchildren Tyler Dittman and Layne (Daniel) Gallagher, Scott (Liz) Kurschinske, and Jeremy (Patty) McElhatten and Rebecca McElhatten.  

 A memorial service for Nancy will be held in the chapel of The Caring Place on Friday Jan. 30th, at 10am with the Reverend J. Michael Parsh presiding.

Nancy’s family thanks the staff of The Caring Place (with special thanks to Helen) for taking such good care of her for the last 4 years, particularly during her final days. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Zion Community Ministry Center, 207 State Street, Oil City, or a charity of your choice.

The Reinsel Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting with arrangements. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery beside her husband and will take place at the convenience of the family.

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