Barbara Jean Turner

January 19, 1931 - February 15, 2016

Barbara Jean “Bobbie” Parker Turner, 85, passed away on Monday, February 15, 2016 at home in Austin, Texas. Born in Bedford, IN, to Charles Lynn and Helen Tofaute Parker on January 19, 1931, "Bobbie" graduated from Bedford High School and attended Indiana University. A talented self-taught painter and fashion designer, she began designing her own evening gowns at the age of 18. Those timeless designs remain current today. She used her gifted eye for inspired decorating as well, and her cooking skills were legendary. Leaving Indiana in 1972, she worked in Real Estate Office Management, Industrial Business Management, Personnel Management, and Retail Sales, primarily for Maas Bros in Florida and Re-Max in Texas. Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband of 26 years, Tom Turner. She is survived by her daughter Connie Turner Hester and husband George in Bryan, TX; her daughter Kitty Jo Turner Ripley and husband John in Austin, TX; her brother Dan Parker and wife Eloise in Bradenton, FL; her brother Dave Parker and wife Susan in Bedford, IN; her grandchildren Morgan Hester and husband Joel in Colorado Springs, CO; Matthew Hester in Houston, TX; Daniel Ripley, Scott Ripley, and Amy Ripley in Austin, TX; and many nephews and nieces. We wish to thank the entire team of Hospice Austin for their immediate response and overwhelmingly helpful assistance during Bobbie’s very brief and natural passing. Burial will follow at a later date in Crest Haven Memorial Cemetery in Bedford, IN. Memorials may be made to Hospice Austin; Fisher House Foundation Inc, provider of free accommodations for families visiting injured military in stateside hospitals; or to any charity of choice.