Virginia Ann (Shimp) Turner, age 81 of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, October 21, 2014. She fought a brief, yet aggressive illness these last six weeks. Her husband, Norman Turner; her great-granddaughter, Caroline Barker; and her parents, Everett and Elizabeth Shimp preceded her in death. She is survived by her four children: Fred (Cindy) Heck, Francie (Mike) Barker, Peggy Turner, and Jim (Mandy) Turner. Additionally she has eight grandchildren: Mike (Allison), Tim (Rachel), Beth (Tyson), Dan, Katie (Skyler), Trey, Jace, and Madyson; as well as seven great-grandchildren: Caleb, Jude, Joy, Sammy, Amos, Rowan, and Finley. She is also survived by her siblings: Ruthie (Dick) Murray, Monty (Karen) Shimp, and Marilyn Pramschufer; and many nieces and nephews. Virginia was a member of Third Avenue United Methodist Church since 1982. She was the organist for the Big Rapids, Paris, and Rodney parish churches every Sunday for the last 30 years. Virginia was a very active member and enjoyed being a part of the church family. Her friends and weekly bible study group were very close to her heart. Time spent with her loved ones filled her life with happiness. Crafting quilts for friends and family also made her happy. If you have ever seen her beautiful quilts, you would not only see one of her many talents, but would experience a passion she held dear. As a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend - she will be deeply missed by many. The family wishes to thank the staff at Metron of Big Rapids, Spectrum Hospitals, the staff at Evergreen Terrace of Big Rapids and Spectrum Hospice's Sharon and Melissa. There will be a memorial service in Virginia's honor on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 7:30PM at the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids. The family will receive friends at the church from 6:30-7:30PM with the service to follow. The service will be officiated by Pastor Mike Reigler, former Pastor and dear friend of Virginia and her family. Virginia requested that any memorial gifts be offered to Third Avenue United Methodist Church or to the Wounded Warrior Project.