Floss Turnbow, 103, celebrated surrounded by community in Sandy

Florence "Floss" Turnbow, the city's oldest resident and a celebrated quilt maker, celebrated her 103rd birthday surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors at Crescent Senior Living in Sandy, Utah. The celebration was a testament to her enduring legacy and the community's appreciation for her contributions.

Born in 1923, Floss spent most of her life in Tabiona, a small town in the Uintah Basin. She and her husband, Leo, raised their family there. In 1999, she lost her husband, and more recently, she moved to Sandy, where she now resides at Crescent Senior Living.

During the celebration, which took place on August 29, Mayor Monica Zoltanski of Sandy presented Floss with an America 250 commemorative coin and pin. "You've been alive for more than a third of our country's history," Zoltanski said, emphasizing the significance of residents like Floss in shaping the city's identity. "Residents like Floss are a reminder that Sandy is more than our places or businesses; it's about the people."

Floss's birthday was marked by a display of her work, including more than 6,000 quilts she has created over the years. Her great-nieces performed music in her honor, and three of her five sons and both of her twin daughters were present. Bryce Rich, executive director at Crescent Senior Living, praised Floss, saying, "She has 103 years of stories, a work ethic her family still talks about, and a gift for making people feel cared for. Days like this are the best part of what we do, opening our doors so a family can gather, a city can say thank you, and a remarkable woman can be celebrated exactly as she deserves."

Her children, particularly daughter Marsha Harmon, expressed gratitude for Floss's enduring influence. "She's given us such a good work ethic throughout our lives, and we're so blessed to have her still living," Harmon said. Floss's birthday was also covered by local news station FOX 13 News Utah.

Crescent Senior Living, operated by Meridian Senior Living, celebrated the milestone with a party that reflected Floss's lifelong dedication to craftsmanship and community. The facility, located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, offers a range of services, including assisted living and memory care. Rich added, "Floss is exactly the kind of neighbor who makes this community what it is."