Louise E. (Muller) Turnbaugh

     Louise E. Turnbaugh, of Williamsport, 98, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2020, at AristaCare at Loyalsock. The daughter of Arthur F. and Myrtle V. (Young) Muller (aka Miller), she was born on Feb. 17, 1922, in Altoona. She shared many memories of growing up in the gritty railroad town during the depression. Louise married William H. Turnbaugh of Alexandria on March 30, 1940, in Winchester, Virginia. The couple moved to Williamsport soon after PFC Turnbaugh returned from World War II service in Europe.

     Louise had a natural flair for style, even around the house. She was a creative decorator and talented amateur painter, an avid and well-informed reader of books, magazines and this newspaper, a regular letter writer, a good conversationalist and a resourceful homemaker for her family. She looked forward to her annual flower and vegetable gardens, and backyard fruit and berry harvests to be converted into juices, sauces, sherbets and jams. She had a kind heart for all animals and birds and made sure any stray neighborhood cats found food.

     Together with her family, she enjoyed outdoor activities such as camping, long walks, arrowhead hunting, country auctions and yard sales. She provisioned the family motor vacations, picnics, and day trips. After her husband died in 1980, Louise continued to travel near and far with her grown children whenever invited. In her later years she strolled the California redwood groves, tented in Yosemite, and hiked up Watkins Glen when nearly 90. A cancer survivor, Louise otherwise enjoyed a lifetime of excellent health.

     Louise is survived by a son, William A. (Sarah) Turnbaugh of Williamsport and Wakefield, Rhode Island; and a daughter, Paula L. (Graham) Law of Arlington, Virginia. Both children benefitted from her informal pre-school tutoring sessions and guidance throughout their developing years. As a mother she held them to high standards and was proud of their accomplishments, yet never hesitated to offer constructive suggestions.

     A graveside service to honor the life of Louise was held privately in Wildwood Cemetery, Williamsport.

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