It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ayana Marie Turner, 19, a resident of St. Maries, ID, who passed away on November 26, 2025, near St. Maries. Ayana was born in Spokane, WA, to her mother, Kirsten Spier Turner, and from the very beginning brought a vibrant, unforgettable spirit into the world.

Ayana grew up in St. Maries and attended school in both St. Maries and Post Falls. Throughout her youth, she was involved in archery, 4-H, “Know Your Government,” and volleyball. Though she faced trauma and challenges in her early life, Ayana persevered with remarkable strength. She carried a resilience that defined her journey—one that inspired those who knew her well.

Ayana had a beautiful, creative soul. She loved having fun with her friends more so when they were smoking some weed or partying. She was artistic and expressive, often experimenting with hair colors, piercings, and tattoos—many of which she created herself. Her dream was to become a tattoo artist, a path that perfectly matched her fearless individuality and boundless creativity.

Her interests were wide-ranging and heartfelt. She had an eclectic taste in music, listening to everything from heavy metal to country to love songs, and she was an avid reader who could lose herself for hours in a good book. Ayana was honest about who she was, including the struggles she faced along the way, yet she never stopped trying to heal, grow, and understand herself.

Ayana is survived by her mother and stepfather, Kirsten Spier Turner and Hunter Schilling of Post Falls, ID; her siblings Katrina Turner, Enola Turner, Amitola Spier, and Jayce Spier of Post Falls, ID; Gregory Turner of St. Maries, ID; and Phoebe Turner of Fernwood, ID. She is also survived by great-grandparents Ed and Virginia Kantola and Bob and Loretta Thatcher of St. Maries, ID; grandparents Richard and Donna Spier and Thomas Turner of St. Maries, ID; aunts and uncles Joseph Spier of Moses Lake, WA; Ben Strength, Kayla Turner, and Shawnie Turner of Spokane, WA; Nekita Strength of Oregon; Tommy Turner; and Nicholas Turner. She leaves behind numerous cousins and her best friend, Leslie Cook, who held a special place in her life. Asher, her beloved fur baby, companion, and a member of the family passed alongside her in the accident.  Ayana was 9 years old when she got him and he never left her side.  She took him everywhere with her, and he saved her life.   

Ayana’s time here was far too short, but her impact was deep and lasting. She will be remembered for her creativity, her fierce individuality, her laughter, and the love she shared with family and friends. May she rest in peace, free from the weight she carried, and may her memory continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who loved her.

A Memorial Service is planned for Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Eagles Lodge in St. Maries, ID.  A gathering of family and friends to share a meal will follow.