"She will be truly missed on this side of life. If it?s God?s will we shall be reunited in the eternal Kingdom of Yahweh?s majesty. Peace to Mrs. Rita Family and friends. Minister Tracey L. Milan and family."
In loving memory of
Rita Romona Stewart Turner
April 1, 1939 - April 12, 2018
RITA RAMONA STEWART TURNER was the only child of Boyce Leo Stewart and Erma Jean Ramey Stewart. RITA was born on April 1, 1939 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Even though she was an only child, there were always cousins and plenty of friends to have fun with. RITA loved animals and brought home a menagerie of puppies, kittens and birds. She wanted to be a veterinarian. Her childhood pet was a parakeet, Tonio. There were also four wild bunnies: Inky, Winky, Stinky and Blinky. As an adult her five dogs were: Miki; Kippy; Ebony; Dee Gee; and adorable Misty.
While living in Lockfield Gardens, RITA went to P.S. #24. When the family moved to the Eastside, she was transferred to P.S. #26. She was active in almost everything - story telling contests (first prize); plays and The Dramatic Club. Her drama teacher arranged for RITA to recite The Christmas Story at local churches during the Holy holiday season. RITA was a honor roll student and received many grade school honors. At Tech High School, Rita majored in Secretarial Office Practices and received a Vocational Certificate from the Commerce Department. After graduation, RITA began working as secretary for the Director of the State Fair Employment Practices Commission. This office was greatly responsible for the hiring of Indiana's first black State Trooper. RITA was also a member of Alpha Gamma Chi, a business women's sorority.
RITA was united in Holy Matrimony to Adell Sanford Turner, on August 22, 1959. This union was blessed with two sons, Landon Montel and Larsen Sanford. (When Landon & Larsen were little boys, Rita would teach them country music while she strummed her guitar. They had a "singing good time." Both sons also enjoyed sketching and cartooning, like their mother.)
God's Blessings again touched the family when son Larsen and his wife Dorenda, made Rita and Adell grandparents to Lauren Adele and Kayla Yvette. While a young girl, RITA was baptized at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. She later moved her membership to New Bethel Baptist Church where her parents had become members. Her past church membership was with Martindale Ave. Church Of Christ. She served on the bulletin/secretarial committee for over 30 years.
RITA counted among her many blessings all her beloved Aunts; Cousins; lifelong friend, Romona Finnell; special sister-like cousins, Yolanda and Jackie; great neighbors; Church Family and most of all her wonderful Parents; and Grandma; Sons and Granddaughters. RITA loved Adell's parents, Mama Fannie and Daddy Mills. And all of her sisters and brothers-in-law. Nieces and Nephews too. Above all others, there is ADELL, the love of her life. Above EVERYTHING there is JESUS!