Anya JoAnn Turner

Anya JoAnn Turner, a cherished daughter, sister, and friend, was born on March 9, 2003, in Uralsk, Kazakhstan. She was tragically taken from us too soon on May 30, 2025, due to a car accident, leaving a profound void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

From a young age, Anya displayed an unwavering kindness and a passion for helping others. She began her career at the tender age of 15 at Colaw Fitness, where her interest in physical training blossomed. This early experience fueled her desire to become a physical trainer someday. Anya’s journey continued at Stormont Vail Hospital, where her compassionate nature shone brightly. She loved engaging with patients, spreading warmth and laughter as she moved from room to room, making their days a little brighter with her friendly spirit.

Anya's educational journey began at North Fairview Elementary, where she attended Pre-K through 2nd grade, before her mother took the inspiring step of homeschooling her. Supported by the loving Topeka Homeschool Community, Anya thrived in an environment that catered to her unique gifts and passions.

With a vibrant personality, Anya is remembered as kind, caring, helpful, and friendly. Her hobbies reflected her zest for life; she enjoyed trampoline, skateboarding, dance, graffiti art, drawing, snowboarding, skiing, and swimming, with a deep-seated passion for soccer at the heart of it all. Anya was also a budding poet, her writings rich with emotions that revealed her innermost thoughts and touched the hearts of many.

Anya’s life was marked by notable accomplishments that reflected her dedication and spirit. Her relationship with God and her church family at Victory City Church became profoundly important to her. On April 27 of this year, she experienced the joyous moment of baptism, a day that radiated her inner glow and commitment.

She found immense joy and a sense of belonging in her soccer family. Anya played for various teams, including DustBunnies, Tornadoes, Wave, Valkyries, and Cair Paravel Latin School, garnering numerous championships and unforgettable memories on the field that some of her best years were spent.

Anya is survived by her adoring parents, Tim and Nancy Turner, her loving siblings, Alex and Abby Turner, her cherished nephew, Colin Turner, as well as her Aunt Jo and Uncle Mark McCoy, Aunt Julie Copeland, and many cousins and extended family.

She joins her beloved maternal grandparents, Dallas and Chic Lintner, paternal grandparents, Warren and Helen Turner, Uncle Gene Copeland, and cousin Max Filby in eternal rest.

Anya JoAnn Turner will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her. Her luminous spirit and the love she shared will forever illuminate our hearts. A memorial service to celebrate her remarkable life will take place on June 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Topeka, Kansas.

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to The Oxford House (Checks Payable to Bella Vita Oxford House) 1600 NW Taylor, Topeka, Kansas 66608.