Ronald Turner

Ronald (“Ron” / “Ronnie”) Turner was born on October 8, 1948, to Jack and Martha Turner in the

Arden-Arcade area of Sacramento, California. He grew up with his older brother, Sam, and eight

years later welcomed his younger brother, David.

His mother, Martha, would often say that Ron was a “very busy child”—a description that remained fitting throughout most of his life.

Ron spent the last 47 years living diagonally across the street from one of his childhood homes. He often reminisced about growing up in the neighborhood, remembering a time when the streets

weren’t even paved.

Ron was in no way a social butterfly—but once he was your friend, that was it. His friendships were loyal and lasting, including a friendship with his oldest friend that began in kindergarten in 1953 and continued for more than 70 years.

Ron graduated from Encina High School in Sacramento in 1966.

In December 1969, Ron was drafted into the United States Army. He served honorably for two years, where he achieved the rank of Specialist 4, spending much of his service stationed in Baumholder,

Germany.

Ron had many interests and was never afraid to try something new. He even ran for Folsom City Council in 1977!

Eventually, Ron found his place at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), where he worked as a line foreman and retired after 32 years of service. He was a hardworking man who

believed in providing for his family and taking care of the people he loved.

Family was everything to Ron. His love and concern for his family—and his wholehearted wish for each of them to find happiness, success, and joy—were unmatched. Whether it meant coming

together to help one another through difficult times or gathering to celebrate successes and milestones, family always came first.

Thankfully, during the last year of his life, Ron was able to spend a great deal of time with the people he loved most. Visits became more frequent and lasted a little longer, and the family was

able to take several special trips together to some of his favorite places. Earlier this year, Ron was also able to travel to meet his first great-grandson, Freddie—a very special addition to the family he

loved so much.

Ron loved to travel, but he LOVED camping.

Even after working a 55-plus-hour week, he could come home on Friday, take a shower, load up the family, and head out for the weekend. Dillon Beach or Loon Lake—it didn’t matter. Sometimes the family would come home from one camping trip just long enough to shower, change clothes, grab more provisions, and head straight to the other.

Those trips created countless memories: campfires, good music, family, friends, stories, laughter, and adventures that will continue to be told for generations.

Ron also had a special place in his heart for animals—especially dogs. Over the years, the family dogs became much more than pets; they were his beloved “grand-doggies.” Ernie and Bean, the

current grand-doggies, held their own special place in Grandpa Ron’s heart and were simply part of the family.

He also found a special kind of enjoyment in watching hummingbirds. Those tiny, busy visitors could

capture his attention and bring him a simple kind of happiness. For his family, the sight of a hummingbird may now carry a little something extra—a reminder of Ron and one of the small things

in life that brought him joy.

Ron’s sunset on this life on Wednesday August 26, 2026 - at the age of 77.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Martha Turner; his brothers, Sam Turner and David Turner; and his nephew, Benny Turner.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, JoAnn Turner; his daughter, Shelly Turner Mayhue (Brian Mayhue); his son, Matthew Turner (Jackie Turner); his grandchildren, Bellis Sturdivant (Mira

Sturdivant) and Carly Simonét (Noah Simonét); and his great-grandson, Freddie Simonét.

Ron was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and lifelong friend. He worked hard, loved deeply, and lived life in his own unmistakable way.

He gave his family and friends a lifetime of stories, laughter, adventures, and memories. And while the game may be over, the love, laughter, and stories Ron left behind will live on for generations.

He will be deeply missed—and very fondly remembered, probably with good music playing, a Bacardi and Coke nearby, and someone telling a story that begins, “Remember that time Ron…"