Barbara Ann Turner

Barbara Ann Turner (neé Banta), 67, of St Charles, MO returned to the Earth on January 17th, 2022.

Barbara was born in Fort Worth, TX, and graduated from Missouri State University with a Master of Social Work. She was most proud of starting the Case Management department at Crider Center in St. Charles during her tenure there.

Barbara had been disabled for the last 30 years. She enjoyed retro television and underground cult movies. She had been involved in the Jaycee Fairgrounds Village community, especially Bingo Nights when she would occasionally call numbers. Even after leaving the workforce, she was still an advocate for people with mental health conflicts, LGBTQIA+ people, disabled people, and others who had issues with the Medicaid / Medicare system.

Barbara is survived by her three children; Caitlyn A “Katie” (Allison) Benoit, Jesse J Turner, and Waylan R Turner, as well as her furkid Andy. She also had 4 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Joe Lee Banta and Sarah A (Eckert) Banta.

No funeral will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to either The Mosby Foundation in Staunton, VA or the National Alliance on Mental Illness in St Louis, MO.

Notes from her children:

Katie: “Mom - it’s hard to believe that I won’t hear your voice anymore. You’re no longer a phone call or text message away. But I realize that you were in a lot of pain for a very long time up to this point and I take some level of solace that you’re no longer hurting. Even if you didn’t have much luck in the romantic realm, I think you did well on raising us 3 kids. Your kindness and compassion to other humans are things that I will always carry forward with me as proof of your legacy and impact on the world. I love you and will miss you terribly!”

Jesse: “It’s hard to imagine a world without you. I’ve spent so many years trying to become the best person I can be and have been knocked down so many times. But you have always been there to hear me vent about these devastating and frustrating times. You’ve left me with a clear head and a beneficial insight on how to persevere forward, which is one thing I know I will take with me through my life: When life knocks you down, you pick yourself up and keep going, no matter how much it hurts or how scared you are of what will come. I feel so blessed to have had you as my mother and am thankful that you have blessed me with siblings who will help carry me along in troubled times. You surely will be missed and I love you! I know you will be there to guide all our family through our lives. Thank you and I love you mom! Rest In Peace!”

Waylan: “Dear Mom; I could never see the day coming when the one who brought me into this world ended up leaving alone. In my heart and mind, your spirit will guide me through this time of grief and help us all get back up on our feet. So today I’m writing this to wish you luck on your next journey, wherever it may be. I know you may not be able to remember, but you will always be in my thoughts forever. You were the best mom ever!”