Elizabeth Jane Turner was born on August 9, 1923 in Springfield, MO to Elizabeth Cooper Rathbone and Claud Henry Rathbone. She passed away May 22, 2015 at the age of 91.
Betty Jane’s family was part of the Springfield community for five generations. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1941 and went on to graduate from Drury College where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.
She was a member of the Drury College Auxiliary and past president of the Springfield Symphony Guild. She was responsible for starting and developing the Gray-Campbell Farmstead and was passionate about historic preservation.
In addition to attending performances of the Springfield Symphony she enjoyed playing tennis, knitting, reading and spending time at her Koi pond. Her dogs were the love of her life.
She is preceded in death by her parents Claud and Elizabeth Rathbone and her husband William M Turner.
She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Anette Turner, a son Timothy Henry Turner, grand children Katherine Amanda Tucker and Robert Henry Turner. She is also survived by her precious Coton De Tulear, Valentina, who brought her so much love and joy during her last seven months of life.
At Betty Jane’s request there will be no service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the William M and Elizabeth J Turner Memorial Endowment Fund, (endowed French Horn chair) of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra c/o the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, PO Box 8960, Springfield, MO 65801.
The family would like express their gratitude to Melinda Lopez for the loving care that she provided to Elizabeth for the past 3 ½ years. They would also like to thank Katie Porter for her loving care of Elizabeth in her last weeks.