Mary Kathryn King Turkington

Mary Kathryn King Turkington died peacefully on February 2, 2026, in Wilmore, Kentucky. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, The Rev. Dr. Charles G. Turkington. Born on December 25, 1926, Mary K. was raised in Hesston, Kansas where she had fond memories growing up in the country near grandparents amidst a large family, trees, gardens and flowers. These loves continued throughout her life.

Mary K. flourished in her role as pastor’s wife, mother, and homemaker. She and Charles met in Wilmore in 1948 while attending Asbury College. She cared for and supported Charles as he led United Methodist churches and districts in Wilmore, Versailles, Winchester, Lexington, Ashland and Covington, KY. Her children have many memories of her acts of love, provision, and resourcefulness. She also contributed her faithful gifts by teaching Sunday School, participating in women’s circles, choirs and programs. She made every parsonage a beautiful home for her family and a welcoming place for guests.

In retirement, she and Charles built their first home and made life-long connections at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. They always loved to travel and made many friends doing so, especially in England and Sweden. Grandchildren were included in several of their trips. Their final home was back in Wilmore at Wesley Village beginning in 2017. Her family is thankful for the friends and the staff at the Village who lovingly supported and cared for her.

Mary K. was also preceded in death by her parents, Ezra and Mary King, her seven sisters and brothers Ruth, Ethel, Leroy, Helen, Raymond, Clifford, and James, and a grandson, David. Mary K. is loved and survived by her four children, Cynthia Ewing (Jack), Mary Beth Blinn, William Turkington (Kim), and Timothy Turkington (Shelley), eight grandchildren, Sara, Christopher, Elizabeth, Anna, Daniel, Isaac, Emily and Samuel, and 10 great-grandchildren, Gloria, Rachel, Lydia, Kathryn, Caleb, Micah, Charles, June, Calder, Noah and Ellie. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Mary K.’s life may be given to the Lake Junaluska Rose Walk (759 N. Lakeshore Dr., Lake Junaluska NC, 28745). A Service of Death and Resurrection will be held on Saturday, March 7, at 11 am, Wilmore United Methodist Church. Betts and West Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.