Betty L. Turnbull

Betty Turnbull left this life to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 15, 2025. Born February 19, 1928, she is survived by her children, Peggy Kressin (Randy Kressin) and Tom Turnbull (Darrell Smith), grandchildren Bret Kressin (Elizabeth) and Kay Truesdell (Cole), as well as great grandchildren Jackson, Ryleigh and Reagan Kressin and Ailey and Arlo Truesdell. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 73 years, Ralph. She is also survived by her sister, Marilyn Sibons and brother-in-law, Gary Turnbull and many nieces, nephews and their children and grandchildren.

Betty had a long and blessed life. She graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1950 with a degree in primary education. She married Ralph on September 16th of that year and began her education career. After the birth of her children she resumed teaching as a full-time and substitute teacher, retiring in 1980 when she and Ralph moved to Strongsville, Ohio.

She was a very active leader in the Southern Baptist Convention’s Women’s Missionary Union (WMU). She was elected state president in Wisconsin (1976-1979) and later served as state president in Ohio (1984-1988). She and Ralph either started or were essential in growing churches in Bloomington, Minnesota, Brown Deer, Wisconsin and Strongsville, Ohio. At the time of her passing, she was an active member of Park Heights Baptist Church in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. She was a gifted teacher of children and adult Sunday School, as well as leading the local chapters of WMU. She was passionate about missions and outreach, especially in foreign countries.

Betty was known by most of her friends as an avid reader. Whenever family would visit, Mom would invariably be engrossed in a new book. She shared her love of reading with her children and grandchildren. She moved with her husband to independent living at Shurmer Place in 2018. There, her leadership and reading skills opened up opportunities in leading the monthly book club, and serving as secretary of the resident council until her death.

Betty was beloved by those who knew her. She was short of stature but with a powerful personality. She was known as a woman of conviction and determination. Ever the teacher, she praised a job well done, as well as providing notes on how to do better. She had a beautiful smile that would light up a room. Her passing leaves behind many loving memories with family and friends.

Visitation will be at the A. Ripepi and Sons Funeral Home, 18149 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, Ohio from 10:30 AM to 12 Noon on Monday, May 19, followed by a service at 12 Noon. She will be inurned beside her husband at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to the Park Heights Baptist Church in honor of Betty.