South County Profile: Iris Turner

IRIS TURNER

Anderson resident Iris Turner moved to California with her parents when she was three weeks old.

The family came to California by train in the middle of a blizzard. They settled in Modoc County, where Turner lived for most of her life. She attended school in Alturas, then went on to Modoc Union High School, graduating in 1937.

Turner began playing the violin in forth grade. She then continued on through high school. Her family played together as a band at local dances and at local rodeos.

She then went to Riverside Junior College and took journalism classes. She returned to Modoc county soon after to marry her husband Arthur Turner.

Arthur Turner was a heavy equipment operator and moved around to different logging jobs while his wife stayed at home to raise the couple's daughters.

In 1966, Iris Turner was appointed to the Modoc County Clerk's position. In 1967, she was voted into the position and spent 16 years working with the Modoc County Superior and Juvenile Court System, the county's Board of Supervisors and different branches of law enforcement.

"My job as county clerk was fascinating. I learned so much about the interworkings of county government," stated Turner.

Upon retirement in 1982, Turner helped with the Administration of Child Abuse Prevention and Interaction program in Modoc County. Turner spent 10 years volunteering her time for the cause and found it to be a rewarding job.

Iris Turner moved to Shasta County in 1997 to be closer to her family. She became an active volunteer for the local food bank for many years.

After taking some time off to enjoy life, Turner began volunteering at the Anderson Historical Society a little more than two years ago and has fallen in love with the local community and being able to help preserve the history of the South County.

Turner has helped catalogue many of the historical items at the Anderson Historical Society and is also the secretary to the museum's Board of Volunteers.

She enjoys spending three days a week at the museum and spending time with her fellow volunteers.

"They are all great people and the Anderson Historical Society is a great place to spend my sunset years," said Turner. "The Historical Society has so much history to share with the public. If there is something you can't find, we will find it for you."

Turner enjoys living in Anderson because it has all of the necessary amenities without having to go into town and has a small town atmosphere.

In her spare time, Turner enjoys spending time with family that lives in the area and being able to work on quilts.

Name: Iris Turner.

Born where and when: Wyoming, October 1919.

Occupation: Retired.

Marital Status: Single

Family: Two daughters, five grandsons and four great grandsons.

Pets: None.

My worst job: Working at a soda fountain.

My first job: Working at a soda fountain.

In my spare time I: Volunteer, quilt, garden and read.

My favorite book: "Heavenly Discourse," by C.E.S. Wood.

My favorite movie: "Oh, God," with George Burns.

My favorite recording artist: Roger Whitaker.

My dream car: 1929 Ford Roadster.

My friends like me because: I smile.

If stranded on a deserted island, I would want: Music.

The one thing in life I've learned is: Always look towards tomorrow.

The best advice my parents gave me: Do what you please, but please do it right.

My most embarrassing moment: A mistaken identity.

My most irrational act: I'm not telling.

What I like best about the North State: My violin. I have been playing since forth grade.

My hero is: At this point in time, Barack Obama.

My pet peeve is: Inconsiderate actions.

My fantasy is: To fly like a bird.

If I could change one thing about myself I would: Be more patient.

The one thing Shasta County needs most is: Controlled growth.

The most enjoyable thing about life is: Making and keeping friends.