Beatrice Prather Turpen

Beatrice Prather Turpen, 88, passed away Thursday evening, December 27, 2012, at her home on North Main Street in Somerset, KY in the presence of family and friends. Bea was the daughter of Arthur G. and Cora Woods Prather born on April 12, 1924 in a log cabin built by her great grandfather. She was married to Ralph E. “Jack” Turpen on February 12, 1944; he preceded her in death on July 29, 2011. Survivors are three children, Phyllis Turpen, Nashville TN, Jenny Aker, Frankfort, KY and Bill (and Janice) Turpen, Somerset, KY; six grandchildren, Cara Beth Wilson and Luke Wilson, Nashville, TN, Gretchen (and Brock) Griffin and Emily (and Brent) Stewart, Brentwood, TN, Sarah-Ann (and Buddy) Davis, Greenville, S.C. and Allison (and Matthew) Gates, Somerset, KY; and six great-grandchildren, Calvin Gates, Tenner Wilson, Gretta-Kate Stewart, Temple Stewart, Trey Davis and Mary-Claire Davis. She is also survived by three sisters, Mary-Faith Bates, Sarah Jane Posey, and Margaret Esma Silvers, all of Somerset, KY and one sister-in-law, Helen Walters, Nancy, KY. Also, preceding her in death were her parents, Arthur, Cora, and Esma Prather; her father-in-law, Arnold Turpen and mother-in-law Anna Turpen; two brothers, James W. Prather and William A. Prather; one grandson, Matthew Aker and son-in-law J. Calvin Aker. A member of West Somerset Baptist Church for over sixty years serving, Bea served as church clerk for almost forty of those years. She was a charter member of the Fidelis chapter of the Eastern Star at Nancy, KY and a charter member of Nancy Homemakers Club. During the course of her life, Bea taught school in the Pulaski County School System and was an employee of Oakwood and Dept. of Social Services. Deeply loved by her family, friends, and neighbors Bea was also blessed with wonderful caregivers. Both visitation and funeral services for Bea Turpen will be held at West Somerset Baptist Church, and Pastor Larry Butte, officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday December 30th from 5 to 9 p.m. as well as on Monday, December 31st from 8:30 until funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow in the West Somerset Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Somerset Baptist Church, 736 W. Hwy. 80. Somerset, KY 42503.