Rondell Turner

Rondell G. Turner passed away Friday April 20th in Ruidoso NM. He is survived by his wife Sherry, sisters Leta Doyle and Ruth Ann Jackson, brothers in law Patrick Doyle, Bill Snow and Gary Jackson, nephews Royce and William Stuart, Joe Thompson and a niece Mary McClain. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Velma Turner.

Ron entertained audiences for most of his life with his long time partner Jay Silverman and many other talented musicians in both Texas and New Mexico. One of the highlights of his musical career was a very successful nine month thirteen state tour. Ron was best known locally for his musical talent and could be found on stage at regional fairs and festival as well as shows at La Cave, The Hideaway, Inn of the Mountain Gods and other local venues.

He held a New Mexico State teachers certificate, a Bachelors Degree in Communication from CCSU in Corpus Christi TX and had only the oral exam remaining in order to receive a Masters degree in counseling from Troy State University. He worked with school districts throughout New Mexico as a Behavioral Specialist. Ron always felt that every child deserved a level playing field and was quick to remind others that there was no such thing as a problem child but only children with problems. He also organized a choir in Fort Stanton for special needs adults in order to help give them a sense of self worth.

Ron and his wife Sherry moved to Ruidoso from Corpus Christi shortly after their marriage in 1989. They purchased a small cabin in town and began to make Ruidoso their home. Together they enjoyed traveling and most recently had fallen in love with San Carlos Mexico where they vacationed as much as possible.

Ron enjoyed kayaking and working on his rail buggy which has been donated to Socorro High Schools auto mechanics program so his love of teaching children will carry on. Ron was a strong yet gentle man who touched so many lives with his larger than life persona and his special ability to make others feel they were loved and had purpose to their lives. His family and close friends will particularly remember Rons favorite expression aint life grand

In lieu of flowers and to honor his love of music and children, the family is requesting that donations be made in his memory to Mr. Hollands Opus Foundation in Sherman Oaks, CA, the Palm Elementary School in Austin,www.palmschoolchoir.com or to a charity of your choice.