Betsy Jane Turner

Early on a snowy 1st of April morning, and shortly before her 96th birthday, Betsy Jane (Conard) Turner (95) peacefully departed this life. Betsy was born to the late John and Lena (Rose) Conard at their dairy farm in rural Monroe County on 14 April 1926. As the youngest of 10 children, living through the depression, the tenets of family, diligence, faith, loyalty and love were instilled from early youth. A journey began in 1953 when Betsy married the late Richard Norman Turner. To their union were born three children, Jerry Lee, Ann Renee, and Andrew Kevin. The home on East Janet Drive would be known for the next six decades as a one of the warmest places for the family and friends of Dick and Betsy. While the tenets of life were planted in the hearts and minds of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren – it would be noted by all Betsy was one of the hardest and most organized of workers. Her love of gardening was not just a hobby, rather it was a lifestyle. Undoubtedly, her green thumb is hardly rivaled and love for the Indiana Hoosiers rarely matched. There was no doubt, whether from family gathering, reunions, church potlucks and birthday parties – if Betsy brought a dessert – it would be the first to go. Her chef ability was a gift, and the memories shared over her dining room table even more so coveted. A life-long member of the church of Christ, Betsy served in many capacities behind the scenes. Teaching a Bible class with her daughter Ann, she was known and loved by the generations of children as “Miss Betsy.” Her desire was not to seek the limelight, but always to put a light in the hearts of others which she so often did. Fifteen years ago, Betsy was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Norman “Dick” Turner. Her parents, John and Lena, along with two brothers, Glen and Dale, sisters, Alice, Helen, Marie, Ethel, Ruth, Frances, Gertrude siblings, and many friends have gone on before. Betsy is survived by her three children, Jerry (Maureen) of South Carolina, Ann (John) of Martinsville, and Andy (Joyce) of Tennessee. Dearly known as “Nana,” her memory will be carried on by grandchildren Jay (Catherine) Russell, Rachel Western, Luke (Rachel) Jackson, Josh Turner, Cynthia Turner and great-grandchildren, Turner, Matthew, Ethan, Addie, Tana, Levi and Josiah. Betsy’s favorite bird was the Cardinal. In fact, her entire decorative scheme is centered around the noble red bird. The belief exists where Cardinals represent devotion, loving relationships and the nearness of angels. These birds are most beautiful against the Indiana snow. How appropriate it was for on the early morning of an April 1st snow in Indiana – a Cardinal stopped by, perhaps to carry Betsy home. A graveside service will be held at Valhalla Memory Gardens on Monday, April 4th, 2022 at 11am. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com for the Turner family.