Tributes

Ellen Sue Redinger Turner, age 88, of San Antonio died on July 22, 2012 due to natural causes. Sue was born in Jackson, Michigan and had been a resident of San Antonio since 1955. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman, in 2000. Sue grew up in Jackson, Michigan during the Great Depression. Her father Clyde, despite struggling to raise a family, believed in providing an education for his four children as best he could. The family's "road trips" all over the United States instilled a love for archeology and Native American artifacts that Sue was able to pursue later in life. Sue married Norman Innes Turner in 1945 and raised four loving children during the 50s and 60s. Once her children were grown and on their own, Sue went back to college, receiving her degree in Anthropology from the University of Texas, San Antonio, in 1979. After graduation, Sue spent the rest of her life contributing to the science, education, betterment, administration, clarification, discovery, and chronicling of her chosen vocation. She participated in archeological digs well into her 80's. Sue was active in community service and was a Fellow and a former president of the Texas Archeological Society, the recipient of an Archaeological Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern Texas Archaeological Association and a recipient of the Curtis Tunnell Lifetime Achievement Award in Archeology from the Texas Historical Commission. She was author of numerous archaeological publications including co-authorship with Thomas R. Hester of the first and second editions of A Field Guide to Stone Artifacts of Texas Indians, for which they received an "outstanding contribution to Texas History" citation from the San Antonio Conservation Society. In 2011, Richard McReynolds was added as a co-author and illustrator for the third edition, which was a labor of love for Sue. The Enhanced and expanded third edition has become the new standard reference for thousands of Texas Archeologists. Sue was a Charter Member of Ol'Shavano Chapter, National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, a life member of the UTSA Alumni Society, a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, the Texas Archeological Society, the Southern Texas Archaeological Association, National Museum of the American Indian, San Antonio Zoo, Witte Museum and San Antonio Public Library. Sue had a great enthusiasm for life. She cherished her children and grandchildren and it was from them, she maintained, that she learned life's most important lessons. We will miss her engaging personality, her sense of humor, her love of life, her inspirational upbeat attitude, her attention to detail and "getting it right", her tireless work ethic, her active intellect and her ability to find the best in every person and every situation. Surviving children include Charles I. and wife Mary, Mission Viejo, California; Richard S., Tappan, New York; Norman P., San Antonio; and Ellen J. and husband Cliff Scott, Austin. Grandchildren include Arthur, Sebastian and Ivan Scott, Austin; Samuel Turner, and his mother Jill, Valley Cottage, New York. Ellen Sue's cremated remains will be placed in the outside Columbarium at Cathedral Park, overlooking an ancient bluff where Native Americans resided over 10, 000 years ago. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to The Texas Archeological Society, The Southern Texas Archaeological Association, Gemini Ink, St. Mark's Episcopal Church or a charity of their choice.

Tributes

Ellen Sue Turner

July 22, 2012