Ruth "Elaine" Middleton Turner, 87, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at Harbor Hospice, Beaumont. She was born on October 2, 1926, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Ruth Arbour and Lester W. Middleton, an only child.
Elaine was an alumna of University High (LSU) and Louisiana State University and majored in music. She was an accomplished pianist who could play 'by ear' and brought countless joy to all. Elaine was a huge advocate of the Twelve Step Program helping many come to God and find sobriety. She loved the church, her family, so many friends, football, dancing, watching birds, blue gulf waters, tennis, good Cajun food (Tabasco), and a good cup of coffee.
Survivors include her children, Mike Turner and his wife, Terrie, of Houston; Chris Turner and his wife, Margaret, of League City; Leslie Turner Collins and her husband, Bill, of Glen Carbon, Illinois; Patrick Turner and his wife, Virginia, of League City; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Nancy Turner Wagner of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is also survived by her unbelievable companion, friend, and significant other of twelve years, Matt Langianese. He has loved, honored, and cared for her beyond measure and brought much joy and happiness to her life, a true gift from God.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James S. Turner.
Elaine will be remembered for her timeless beauty, honesty, loyalty, and the beautiful music she played here on earth. I'm sure God will ask, "Can you play...?" when He greets her in Heaven.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 11, 2014, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Maryknoll Fathers, P.O. Box 302 Maryknoll, New York 10545-0302 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
