Sandra M. "Sandy" Turnbull

Sandra (Sandy) McNab Turnbull passed away peacefully at the age of 75 in Carmel, Indiana on July 30, 2021 after a brief battle with cancer. She was born in Orlando, Florida on August 27, 1945 to the late Donald and Beatrice McNab and was preceded in death by her sister Donna McNab Davis. She grew up in Palatka, Florida where she met her husband of 55 years, William Eugene (Gene) Turnbull while he was a senior and she was a sophomore in high school.

Sandy attended Florida State University, studied elementary education and this led to her first job as a teacher. Sandy and Gene, and their children Greg and Laura, had several ports of call including stops in Jacksonville, Tampa, Florida, Atlanta, New Orleans, Salt Lake City and finally settling in Zionsville, Indiana. Wherever they were, Sandy always made it feel like home – getting the family settled, quickly making many new friends and getting involved in the community.

Gene and Sandy had the love story we all wish for. Sandy claimed she caught Gene’s eye in classic Sandy fashion, by being the best baton twirler at Palatka High School. She would often tell the story of summers waiting to see the headlights of Gene’s car as he crossed the bridge to visit her on St. Augustine Beach. Their story continued as Sandy went to Florida State University and Gene finished up playing baseball in Palatka. With Gene often driving the long hours to visit Sandy for the weekends until he later joined her at FSU. Sacrificial love was a hallmark of Gene and Sandy’s marriage. Over the hardships of moving to many states, different jobs, and 61 years Gene and Sandy intentionally and sacrificially loved one another. The authenticity and sincerity of their marriage was such that their children and grandchildren look to them as role models in their own relationships.

Gene and Sandy loved to dance with one another. Seeing them gracefully gliding across a dance floor was not an uncommon occurrence, and a beautiful picture of the joy they brought one another. The love between them was unique, special, and admired by all who knew them. For 61 wonderful years Gene and Sandy lived life together.

Sandy loved her family, her grandchildren, the ocean and an evening cocktail. She especially cherished her role as Nana to her “six boys and one sweet girl” and loved them deeply. She made them feel loved and always made time for whatever was important to them.

She was never at a loss for words or a funny comment and she loved a party. She could throw one, attend one, and often was the life of one! She loved a funny story, had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She touched many lives and brought joy everywhere she went with her warmth, love and kindness and seemed to hug everyone she met. Those who had the pleasure of knowing her knew the warmth of her smile could light up any room.

After her children were on their own, Sandy got involved in many civic and volunteer organizations including Sunnyside Guild, P.E.O., and Coxhall Gardens Guild. She also enjoyed playing golf (or at least the social side of golf) and especially her friends in the 4:35 Group at Highland Country Club.

Sandy is survived by her loving husband, William Eugene (Gene) Turnbull; son Greg (Christie) Turnbull; daughter Laura (Andy) Clark; grandchildren Riley Turnbull, Elizabeth Turnbull, Bennett Clark, Harrison Clark, Wesley Turnbull, Max Clark and Jack Turnbull; sisters-in-law Suzy Goodwin and Carol (Billy) Stockton; nephews Donald (Robley) Davis and nieces Lee (Mike) Davis-Clark, Michelle (Jonathan) Usry, Alyse (Travis Crabtree) Kite, Stephanie Reed and Katy (Trey) Fazio.

We will honor Sandy with an informal gathering to greet Sandy’s family from 12pm-2pm and a celebration of life service at 2pm Saturday, August 7th at Zionsville Presbyterian Church, 4775 W 116th Street, Zionsville. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her honor to Zionsville Presbyterian Church, of which she was a founding member.