Ruth Warren Turner

Ruth Warren Turner was born in Tullahoma, Tennessee on April 8, 1923. After 94 years of nothing but love, she left us on December 3, 2017 to rejoin her beloved husband, John, in Heaven. Ruth never met a stranger and always had a hug for everyone. Her infectious laugh was a blessing to so many. She loved gardening and cooking but not nearly as much as she loved giving away her flowers and feeding people. Ruth was a devout Christian, loved Jesus, and credited her 73 years of marriage with John to their strong faith. Though Ruth lost her father at the young age of 4, she loved her childhood memories of growing up with her 3 brothers on a farm being raised by her mother and grandmother all of whom she adored. After excelling in school she attended Martin College in Pulaski, TN and received her teaching degree. Before starting her own family she loved teaching and nurturing others’ children. It was in Tullahoma that she met and married John C. Turner, the love of her life. After patiently waiting for John’s return from war they began their family. In the ensuing years they would move several times for John’s job living the longest in McDonough, GA; Delta, PA; and Roanoke, AL before retiring to Knoxville, TN, perhaps God’s way of spreading out Ruth’s abundant ability to love and heal through laughter. Having 5 children Ruth touched so many lives by volunteering as a Girl Scout Leader, Sunday school teacher, Room Parent, and adopted Mom to many, both children and adults. She always welcomed as much company as she could fit into her home and then some. Ruth always considered herself blessed in so many ways, one of them being the chance to travel into her golden years with John by her side. Camping was one of her greatest joys, first with her own children, later with grandchildren. Ruth is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John C. Turner, her son John Warren Turner, and her 3 brothers, Robert Warren, James Warren (and his wife “Little Bit” who was Ruth’s college roommate and lifelong friend) and Kenneth Warren. Left to mourn her are her four children Martha Ann McGreevy (Pat), Jim Turner (Susan), and Mary Desmond (Kevin), Diane Montgomery (Jim). Life will never be quite the same for her 13 grandchildren Laura McGreevy, Cathy Malec, Jennifer Cline, Jessica Turnbill, Ryan Desmond, Susan Haynes, Alan Turner, Barhyt Henry, Laura Henry, Tyler Henry, Turner Montgomery, Ivy Montgomery, and Madison Montgomery. Saddened that they did not have more time with her on Earth are her 18 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Susannah's House at Cokesbury UMC, 923 Dameron Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921. Visitation will be at Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Knoxville, TN on Saturday, December 9 from 9:30 to 11:00am with the service immediately following. Interment will be at Pleasant Forest Cemetery in Farragut.

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Ruth Warren Turner

April 8, 1923 - December 3, 2017