Deserae Michelle Turner Buck

Deserae Michelle Turner Buck, age 22, of Amalga, Utah, passed away April 17th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Her journey ended with the same strength, courage, and fight that defined her life.

From the moment Deserae arrived, April 24, 2002, her spirit was unmistakable. Even as a toddler, her persistence was unmatched — a trait that would carry her through every challenge life placed in her path. Her dad lovingly nicknamed her “Bugs” for her endless fascination with playing in the dirt and discovering insects — a name that stuck through the years.

Deserae cherished growing up on a small family farm, where her love for animals and nature flourished. She began showing horses at the age of six and quickly became a true equestrian. Through 4-H, she rode and showed up to three horses each summer — competing in Western, English, and Colt shows. Her favorite events included showmanship, horsemanship, barrels, pole bending, jumping, and especially the written test, which she studied for diligently — and often won. She earned countless ribbons, trophies, and buckles, but it was her love for the horses and the joy of the experience that mattered most.

In school, Deserae was everyone’s friend. She proudly embraced her “band geek” identity, playing the flute and saxophone — always laughing that she wasn’t great at it, but loved it anyway. Her favorite subject was science, and even after her brain injury, she continued to teach herself plant and soil science with unwavering curiosity. Before her brain injury, she had a healthy and active body- practicing yoga, kickboxing, and earning her blue belt in karate on her path toward black belt.

Deserae loved deeply and lived fully. She treasured time with family, sister dates, vacations, and “going on adventures” with anyone who would join. She loved eating out, laughing, listening to audiobooks, watching movies, and her daily Sinclair runs — Coke in hand and a smile on her face. Des loved animals — especially her beloved horse, Junior, and her dog, Snoopy. She was a true music fan listening to many genres of music, and Des spent countless hours in quiet joy, creating diamond art. Des even loved to work. She loved working for Romo’s Mediterranean Grill, a few hours each week, as a hostess and server, mostly she just loved being around people.

At age 14, Deserae survived a devastating act of violence when she was shot in the back of the head and left for dead. The injuries were severe — paralysis on her left side, hydrocephalus, seizures, vision deficits, and complex chronic conditions — but Deserae defied every odd placed before her. She was truly “Tougher Than a Bullet.” She became a radiant light in the world — a symbol of resilience, grace, and unshakable faith. Her journey included nearly 50 medical procedures, 16 of which were brain surgeries, yet she persevered through daily pain and continued forward with hope, humor, and heart.

Deserae was honored to be chosen as Homecoming Queen, a memory she fondly described as her Cinderella moment. She graduated from Green Canyon High School in 2020, served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and in 2023, married the love of her life, Mason Buck. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, learning, and love.

She had a curious, hungry mind — always eager to learn more. Whether it was about her plants, her medical conditions, or the people around her, Deserae was always asking questions, always wanting to understand. Even when she was exhausted, she’d stay awake just to soak up another conversation.

Deserae found joy in growing flowers and even greater joy in giving them away. She shared thousands throughout her community — each one a small act of love and a reminder of her strength and compassion.

In her final weeks, Deserae faced additional health complications, including bilateral septic pulmonary emboli. With courage and peace, she chose to enter hospice care, spending her final days embraced by love, faith, and the community that had rallied around her — a community she had inspired with her fortitude and kindness.

One final, selfless gift Deserae gave was as an organ donor — she donated her corneas, offering the gift of sight to up to two people. A beautiful irony, as she herself lived with limited vision, yet still found a way to help others see the world more clearly.

Deserae is survived by her beloved husband, Mason Buck; her parents, Matt and April Turner; siblings, Branden Turner, Lizzy (Garret) Leslie, Matty Turner, and Kaycee Turner; nephew Boston Turner and niece LilyMay Leslie; in-laws Jake and Camille Buck, and siblings-in-law Parley, Gavin, Emma, and Bryton Buck; grandparents Steve and Cathy Turner, Myrna Emanuel, Jerry and Cheri Roberts, and Karen and Randy Buck. She is also deeply missed by a wide circle of extended family — aunts, uncles, cousins — and countless friends, many of whom she considered family. Deserae was preceded in death by her grandpa, Jerry Emanuel.

Deserae had many opportunities to share her story and her testimony. She often reminded others: “You can do hard things, be your own kind of beautiful, and find what makes you happy — then do it often.” Her spirit will continue to bloom in every act of kindness, every conversation, and every heart she touched. Her strength, her smile, and her unwavering faith will live on through the countless lives she inspired and the love she so freely gave. We know she continues to shine on the other side of the veil, whole and radiant in the presence of her Savior.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Her family extends their deepest thanks for the immense love and support shown during this tender time. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Amalga Ward Building, 6521 N 2400 W, Amalga, UT. A second visitation will be held on Saturday, April 26, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Smithfield Cemetery.

Zoom link:  https://zoom.us/j/94055780669  Event code is 496099