Anita June Turnbull

Anita June Turnbull, 89, Columbia, Mo., (formerly Monroe City, Mo.), passed away on Jan. 14, in Columbia, Mo. She was born, July 19, 1927, in Nevada, to Percy and Erma (Howard) Braswell. Anita was an only child for 13 short months, until her baby brother William Howard "Odie" Braswell was born. They enjoyed a special sibling bond and friendship, and kept in touch on nearly a daily basis. On Nov. 26, 1949, she was united in marriage to Paul Allyn (Pat) Turnbull Sr., and he preceded her in death on March 27, 1974. She attended Nevada public school graduating in 1945.

Anita worked for Southwestern Bell as a telephone operator out of high school, initially operating an old-fashioned switchboard. She later enjoyed the modern technology and she willingly accepted the duties as a modern day telephone operator until 1966, when she and her husband and family moved to Monroe City, Mo. Anita was then a housewife and mother, later working at Diemakers Inc. where she retired in 1992.

Her husband's death left her with the responsibilities of continuing the family with three of her children still in school. Anita was always a visible example of family life, with her grown children today naturally following in her footsteps. She also enjoyed sewing and cooking, especially cooking Sunday dinners for her extended family.

Anita was a member of the Monroe City Methodist Church.

Survivors include six children: Paula Turnbull, Terri (Joe) Platz, Jan Brucks, John Jeffrey (Janet) Turnbull, all of Columbia, Mo., Pat (Kay) Turnbull, of Monroe City, Mo., and Michael Turnbull of Nevada. Ten grandchildren: Jessica (Jeremy) Spillman, Matt Platz, Kelly Brucks, Kirklin Brucks, and Kayla (Chris) Wright, Columbia, Mo., Jami (Nathan) Tucker, Fayette, Mo., Joe (Amy) Turnbull, Center, Mo., Kati (Nick) Schachtsiek, Petersburg, Ill., Sadie Dot (Drew) Gordon, Lake Ozark, Mo., Carson (Samantha) Brucks, Grain Valley, Mo.; and 18 great-grandchildren who called her "Grandma Sweetie-Pie" and whom she loved with all of her heart: Emma, Brooklyn, Noah, Sebastian, Corbin, Brodi, Brenden, Clayton, Quinn, Mayson, Makinley, Bryson, Elleri, Gabbi, Hayden, Ashton, Charlie, and the latest family member of 15 weeks, Miss Hattie Odette.

Anita is also survived by her loving brother, Howard "Odie" (Sandy) Braswell, Nevada, and a host of family and very special friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one grandson, "Little Pat" Turnbull.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Monroe City Methodist Church, Monroe City, Mo., with the Reverend Olivia Earlywine officiating.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Garner Funeral Chapel, Monroe City, Mo. Interment will be in St Jude's Cemetery, Monroe City, Mo.

Those who wish may contribute in her memory to United Methodist Church, 218 Catherine Street, Monroe City, MO 63456.

Anita leaves behind a legacy of love for her family and friends.