Ralph Verne "Tonie" Turner

Tonie Turner of Columbia passed away peacefully on Nov 9, 2017 at Lenoir Woods Healthcare Center. A visitation will be held on Monday, Nov 13th from 3:00-6:00 at Memorial Funeral Home. Tonie (Vaughan) Turner was born March 14, 1923 in Linn, MO and, in 1942, married Ralph W. Turner, also of Linn. They enjoyed more than 72 years of marriage until Ralph’s death in 2015. For many years, Tonie was employed by the Columbia Public Schools, and served as a school secretary at various schools, including West Boulevard and Russell Boulevard elementary schools. In addition, she volunteered at the VA hospital, was a “Candy Striper” at Boone County Hospital, a cub scout den mother, and received a medal from the Harg Hustlers 4H club for her years of volunteering. Tonie was a fierce advocate for education and for lifelong learning. She took classes in everything from kayaking to computers, and was rarely without a book, or acrostic puzzle, in her hand. Her emphasis on advanced education lead to a period when all 5 of her children, despite a 15-year span in ages, were enrolled at MU at the same time. She is survived by her children: Thomas Turner of Chula Vista, CA, Tony Turner of Blue Springs, MO, Tim Turner of Portland, OR, and Tracy Turner of Brooklyn, NY; and 3 grandchildren: Emily, William, and Ronan. In addition to her husband, Ralph, Tonie was preceded in death by a daughter, Terry Ann Turner. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you keep your bird feeders full this winter, or donate to the Columbia Audubon Society, or to the Olivet Church Building Fund, 1991 S Olivet Rd, Columbia, MO 65201.