ELLENTON, FLORIDA
Anna Belle Turner, 88, of Ellenton, Florida, died at 3:14 p.m. on July 25, 2025 at her home in Columbus surrounded by family and friends. Ann was born on August 7, 1936, the daughter of Kelsa and Goldie (Allman) Cockerham. She married Leonard Dale Turner on February 10, 1957.
Born in Brownstown, Ann excelled at school and was a spelling bee champion. At 19, she moved to Indianapolis taking a job with Herff Jones as a bookkeeper. Indianapolis is where she met her life partner and husband of 68 years, Leonard Turner (from Bedford). They went on to marry, settling on a small farm near Columbus, Indiana, raising four children. They enjoyed time square dancing, on the motorcycle and although she was averse to baiting a hook, she loved to fish. They shared the haul hosting fish fries.
She loved to play, be it cards with family and friends, bingo, miniature golf, going to the fair or amusement park for rides and games.
She also loved sweets, rarely passing up dessert, chocolate or candy.
Ann spent the summer months with family. Her proudest accomplishment in life was her family. She encouraged and supported her kids and grandkids at school and on the playing field, spending many hours transporting them to practices and games and cheering from the bleachers. The greatest tragedy in her life was the loss of their oldest son at the age of 7.
Ann was known for her thoughtfulness, sending cards and notes for every occasion, especially Christmas, her favorite time of year. Ann was grounded in faith. Her social community revolved primarily around church and neighbors. She had rules at her house. You were welcome to stay Saturday night, but you were obligated to accompany her to church on Sunday.
Ann collected angels, bells and seashells. Whether in Florida or on a cruise, she enjoyed walking the beaches searching for shells. She’ll be missed dearly.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Jewell Rittman Family Funeral Home with Virgil Clotfelter officiating. Calling will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Leukemia Research Foundation.
Survivors include her husband, Leonard Turner; son, Terry (Charlotte) Turner of North Vernon; daughters, Robin Bode of Seymour and Kelli Turner of Indianapolis; sister, Delores (Joe) Goss of Freetown; grandchildren, Jodi Feltner, Brandy (Pancho) Ramos, Heather (Dustin Misner) Newman, Ben (Caitlyn) Turner, and Damon (Abbie) Turner; great-grandchildren, Anna Belle Feltner, Andrew Feltner, and Paisley Misner; nieces, Julie Roell, Cathy Zimmer, Mary Osborne, Lori Cockerham, Penny Morris and Terri Vornheder; nephews; Jef Brown, Tim Goss, Mark Goss, Steve Turner, Scott Turner, Billy-Joe Turner and Mark Vornheder.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kelsa and Goldie Cockerham; son, Ricky Dale Turner; brother, Delbert Cockerham; sisters, Jean Vornheder and Betty Harbaugh.
Services were entrusted to the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
You are invited to view video tribute, light a virtual candle and send a message to
the family at www.jewellrittman.com.
