Rose Turner, a strong-willed independent thinker and matriarch to many, passed away at her home on August 31, 2026 within the presence of her family. Mentally sharp to the end, she was 76 years old.

The only thing she loved more than being an avid reader was her family. She was always there to help and take care of family, no matter what the situation was. Time spent at Tribesman Resort on Indian Point at Table Rock Lake was very important to her, an annual tradition she kept going since the 1980’s.

Rose was born on October 16, 1949 in St. Louis, MO to her parents George and Laura. She attended Catholic schools until 9th grade, when she transitioned to a public high school. She remained a strong advocate for public education her entire life.

Rose moved to Springfield Missouri in 1977 with her 3 children.

Known as ‘Grammy’ to her 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, Rose was always looking out for them and was willing to play a board game, go out to eat, and even watch Wheel of Fortune on the couch.

Great-granddaughter Leighton remembers, “She told us so many stories about her past that I will always remember and gave me so much advice that helped me through so many rough patches. Having her in my life has changed the person I am today and helped me become a better person”.

Grandson Sam Turner shared, “Grammy was a stubborn woman, she was nice though and she cared, always visiting Asheville every year for our birthdays.” Rose was VERY proud to never miss a grand/great-grandchild’s birthday (except for Covid).

Rose believed in people pulling themselves up by their bootstraps, while also advocating for (and acting upon) the fact that people need boots to begin with. Always a devil’s advocate, Rose always challenged herself and others to see things from another’s point-of-view, even if they disagreed.

Rose earned her boots and pulled herself (and her family) up by said bootstraps (and made MANY friends) by working at Dillons grocery stores for 35 years, most recently as Scanning Manager, retiring in 2016. Her children saw her grit and work ethic on display as she sometimes worked 3 jobs to keep the lights on and food on the table – a model that her family will never forget.

Rose was preceded in death by: George Jovanovic (father), Laura Hart (mother), Gwen Cook (sister), Larry Jovanovic (brother), Leon Javanovic (brother), Mary Murphy-Metcalf (sister).

Rose is survived by her sister Terri Ellis of St. Louis, MO, longtime ex-partner Terry Dawson ‘Papa T’ of Springfield, MO, MANY nieces and nephews in the St. Louis area (too many to mention – it’s a Catholic family!) and her children:

Wendy Marie Foster (daughter) of Springfield, MO and her children:
1. William ‘Will’ Lloyd Murray Jr (grandson) and partner Courtney and their children Myla May Murray (great-grandchild) & Maxtin ‘Max’ Mayden Murray (great-grandchild)
2. Christopher ‘Chris’ Ryan Murray and wife Sam and their children Leighton Faith Murray (great-grandchild) & Addyson Marie Murray (great-grandchild)
3. Jake Anthony Murray (grandson)

Melvin Allen Walter (son) of St. Louis, MO

Robert ‘Bob’ Ryan Turner (son) of Asheville, NC and his children:
1. Michael ‘Coral’ Aidan Turner (grandchild)
2. William ‘Sam’ Samual Turner (grandson)

A Springfield, MO Friends & Family drop-in visitation is scheduled for Sunday, September 13 from 5-7pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home – South, 441 W Battlefield St, Springfield, MO 65807. Light refreshments will be offered.

A St. Louis celebration will also be held on Saturday, October 3 from 1-4pm at Rigazzi’s, 4945 Daggett Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110. It was Rose’s with to specifically bring St. Louis friends & family together! A buffet lunch (including toasted ravioli and chicken parmesan – Rose favorites) & non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. Attendees encouraged to open their own bar tab (remember, our family has Catholic roots!!!).

In leu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities that match Rose’s values:

• Isabel’s House – https://www.isabelshouse.org/donate.html
• One Door – https://cpozarks.org/programs/one-door/