Funeral held for Deserae Turner-Buck in Cache County

LOGAN — A young woman from northern Utah who captured hearts across the state and even nationwide was laid to rest Saturday

Deserae Turner-Buck inspired thousands after surviving a brutal attack 8 years ago when she was just a teenager.

She passed away last week.

The parking lot was packed as people showed up for Turner’s funeral. Her story is one many will never forget, but instead of remembering what happened to Turner, her family wants people to remember how she lived.

Turner was just 14 years old when the world first learned her name. She survived a horrific shooting in 2017, left for dead in a canal in Smithfield by two teenage classmates. But Turner didn’t just survive, she lived.

Despite permanent injuries, constant surgeries and lifelong pain, Turner did so much in her short time here. Graduating from high school, serving a church mission and even getting married. 

Her funeral included a full police escort from the church in Amalga to the cemetery in Smithfield. Her family says they appreciate all the support they have received through the years from the community. And that meant a lot to Turner. 

“[Deserae’s] saying was that she was tougher than a bullet. And yet she was. For the last eight years, this girl gave her all,” family friend Morgan Perkins said. “48 surgeries in the last eight years. This woman went through so much pain.”

Earlier this month, Turner’s health declined. She entered hospice care and said she’s not scared of dying because she knows she will be.

She died last week, surrounded by family.

“She’s tougher than me, she’s tougher than you, and she’s tougher than anybody who can ever go through any of this, and that is something that is so important for us to remember about her,” Perkins said.

The family says Turner’s grandmother passed away a few days ago, so they’re doing two funerals in one day. But they’re also at peace, believing both of them are now together.

Read the full story at ksltv.com