Michael Thomas Turville

Our beloved dad, grandpa and friend, Michael Thomas Turville, age 74, was called home to his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Centerville, Utah, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with MDS, a form of leukemia. Mike had a bone marrow transplant on March 24, 2021, which allowed him 4 more years with his family. It has been a tough road. He has proven himself to be a walking miracle many times over. He is Turville Tough; a fighter, determined & strong. As one doctor said, “Mike, you are indestructible!”

Mike was born on September 11, 1950, to Jeniece and Roland Turville at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. He grew up in the Avenues area with his mom and his brother Terry. He spent some of his childhood living with his grandparents and enjoyed hunting with his Uncle Norman. Mike’s dad wasn’t around much, but he had a grandpa and uncle that filled that void. Once Mike and his brother were on a bus on the way to a movie with their grandma. An older man on the bus said, “I bet your daddy’s proud.” Terry responded sadly, “We don’t have a daddy.” Then Mike, all smiles, said, “but we got a grandpa!” Mike has always had a positive look on life, a “Pollyanna” approach, always looking for things to be glad about.

Mike attended East High School, ran track, and enjoyed working at Dee’s Restaurant. He joined the Army Reserve and was part of the 449th Mobile Refueling Division.

Mike met Gayle Stringfellow at Stake M Men and Gleaners planning a Halloween activity. He later asked Gayle to the sweetheart’s dance. Mike married Gayle, his brown-eyed girl, in the Salt Lake Temple on March 3, 1972. Mike and Gayle enjoyed rides in his red Firebird 400.

Mike and Gayle lived in the Avenues and Mike worked for Hal Harrison Construction. He built many homes in Centerville. He liked the area so much that he purchased a lot and built Gayle a home they could raise their family in. It’s the only home his children have ever known. He worked hard so Gayle could be home with their kids everyday…which was exactly what they both wanted.

In the late 70’s Mike started his own business, Turville Construction. Turville Construction is a name that is known for quality, custom homes built to perfection. Mike helped people’s dreams come true with the homes he built. He went above and beyond, offering suggestions that could make it more than they had ever envisioned. He brought out beauty others could not see. You can see Mike’s touch all over Utah. He couldn’t tell us a number, but when you drive around, he could point out countless houses he has built. They are everywhere. Mike didn’t cut corners, even if it took more time, effort, or money. Things had to be done right.

Mike was known for the quality of his workmanship; he was a true craftsman. He was known to throw inferior hammers off jobsites when it wasn’t up to snuff. He’d make sure everything was plumb, level, and square. If it wasn’t done right, he’d tear it out so it could be done the right way. One of his greatest accomplishments was building a home for each of his 5 kids. He taught them so many valuable lessons during the building process. We will always have a part of him with us as we raise our families in those homes.

Mike spent most of his weekends for nearly 30 years building a beautiful log cabin for his family, just outside of Preston, Idaho. He felt bad our family didn’t go on many vacations, but he created a place for families to be together, enjoying the mountain air, 4-wheeler rides, tubing & snowmobiling.

Mike loved to build. He built a big shop at the family farm in West Bountiful. He loved spending time there every day. Mike loved making furniture and cabinets. He loved picking tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden and sharing them with others. It wasn’t uncommon for him to show up on your porch with a bag of veggies. The mud parties at the farm were always enjoyed by all.

These special places were not only for our family to enjoy, but used for numerous girls camps, Scout camps, youth conferences, youth activities, sports parties & family parties. Mike enjoyed sharing these special places with others. As his mom used to say, “Mike is a friend to everyone”.

Being an Eagle Scout was super important to Mike. He worked hard as a youth to earn his Eagle Scout award. In the Centerville 9th Ward, he created a leather neckerchief with the troop number and an eagle on it as an incentive for the boys in the ward to earn their eagle. It did exactly what he wanted; it motivated the boys and they started getting their awards.

Mike was known for his firm handshake, a beaming smile and beautiful blue eyes. It was common to see him in coveralls and a hat. He’d always give a friendly wave as he drove by in his truck. He may be a little gruff on the outside, but this man has a heart of gold and is tough as nails.

Mike has been known by many names in his life: husband, Dad, Grandpa, Mustache Grandpa, son, brother, friend, Country Mike, Bruiser, Blue-eyes, and Turville. No matter the name, he touched the lives of all those he came in contact. Our hearts hurt, but knowing Mike is with his sweet, brown-eyed girl eases the pain a little. We love you, Dad! Au Revoir.

Mike leaves behind his children; Amy (Todd) Smith-Springville, UT, Kristin (Jared) Muir-Topeka, KS, Lindsay (Brad) van Uitert-Kaysville, UT, Jeff (Ashlee) Turville-Kaysville, UT, Kelsey (Austin) Facer-Layton, UT; 21 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and his brother Terry (Bev) Turville- Sandy, UT, and many loving family members and friends. Preceded in death by his sweetheart, Gayle Turville.

A Shindig celebrating Mike’s life will be held Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 6-9 p.m. at The Hideaway on Angel (897 S. Angel Street) in Layton, Utah. Everyone is welcome! Wear your cowboy boots in memory of Country Mike.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Ricks Creek Chapel, 1475 N. 50 E., Centerville, Utah. A short viewing will be held from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Mike will be buried at the Centerville City Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.

Mike’s family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at the Loveland Blood Clinic & the 8th floor staff at LDS Hospital for the loving way they cared for our dad these last 4.5 years. You cared for him like family; and we will forever be grateful.