Kaitlyn Victoria Turner

Kaitlyn Victoria Turner, 29, Shawnee, KS passed away Friday, October 16, 2020 at her home.

Kaitlyn was born on September 11, 1991 to Web (Webster) and Laura (Baumgarten) Turner at Menorah Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Kaitlyn attended Rising Star Elementary (Lenexa), Westridge Middle School (Overland Park), and Shawnee Mission West High School (SMW - Overland Park). Kaitlyn played on the Cyclones soccer team from age 5 to age 13 coached by her dad. She was also on the Shawnee Elite Soccer team for 2 years, and played futsal between seasons in middle school. She was in choir all through school. Kaitlyn and her sister, Mackenzie, danced for one season for Starstruck Performing Arts Center. They swam on the Lenexa Lazers swim team during the summers. Kaitlyn swam on the SMW swim team where she excelled in free-style and breast stroke. Kaitlyn belonged to Atonement Lutheran Church, baptized as an infant, and confirmed in 8th grade. She belonged to the high school youth group, and went to Mano Amiga in Piedras Negras, Mexico, 2008 & 2009, to roof houses and give food and other supplies.

Kaitlyn became addicted to oxy-contin during high school. She dropped out of school shortly after her 18th birthday. After several months, she returned home. She went through Valley Hope inpatient addiction treatment and recovery program. Over the next year she switched to heroin and went to Valley Hope again but used again and overdosed in her car in a Walmart parking lot. This experience was her turning point. She asked to go back to Valley Hope, and took the program seriously.

Kaitlyn lived in Wichita for 5 years. Valley Hope suggested she not move home as the temptations are stronger where you used to use. She was the first patient to be given suboxone while in-patient as she confided to her counselor her cravings were strong. She later changed to methadone which she continued for several years, but chose to wean off, something rarely done and extremely difficult to achieve. Methadone is 10x more addictive than heroin.  Kaitlyn had a strong will and was tenacious, a gift from her dad. She joined our family in celebrating Ken and Bonnie's 70th wedding anniversary, and Bonnie's 90th birthday. She also joined us at Mano Amiga roofing houses (2016).

Kaitlyn had a passion for skincare, and was a gifted makeup artist. She worked as a cast member at Sephora at the Kansas City Country Club Plaza, and as beauty consultant at Walgreens. She planned on going to school to get her esthetician license. Though her earthly dreams had not been attained, we have peace and joy knowing she is with God, free from burdens, perfect in every way.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Ken and Bonnie Turner, her maternal grandparents, Earl and Lee Baumgarten, and paternal great uncle and godfather, Dean Lawrence. Survivors include her parents, sisters Kimberly and Mackenzie, and aunts, uncles and cousins.

A visitation will be from 10:00 am -11:00 am, Saturday, October 24, 2020 with a memorial service to start at 11:00 am at Amos Family Funeral Home. Due to Covid-19, family and friends are encouraged to watch the service online via this link.

Due to covid-19 there are only 45 people allowed into the chapel at one time. Face masks and social distancing are required.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Valley Hope Foundation, P.O. Box 59, Norton, Kansas 67654 valleyhope.org/donate