4/7/1957 – 10/1/2026
Lawrence
With heavy hearts and a lifetime of cherished memories, we announce the untimely passing of Susan Diane Turner (Tate), who peacefully departed this life on October 1, 2026, at the age of 69.
Susan’s life was a beautiful reflection of love, strength, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was a woman whose presence could fill a room, whose laughter could brighten even the hardest days, and whose love left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Susan was born on April 7, 1957, in Lawrence, Kansas, to Lanny R. Tate and Mary E. Tate (Flory). She grew up in Lawrence alongside her sister Dawn Tate; and her caregiver Terri Jacobson and her brother Steven R. Tate, and his wife Susan Tate (Taylor).
Susan’s childhood was filled with memories of her hometown, where she attended her beloved Pinckney Elementary School, West Junior High School, and later graduated from Lawrence High School. Lawrence was more than just the place she called home; it was where her roots were planted, her memories were made, and her story began.
A hardworking and determined woman, Susan believed in perseverance and the importance of caring for others. She earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and dedicated years of her life to working at Color Press, Inc., Valley View Care Home, and Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Susan returned to school in May 2005 to further her education, earning her associate’s degree and becoming a medical office assistant. Her determination was a testament to her strength, independence, and belief that it is never too late to pursue something meaningful.
Susan had a creative spirit and a genuine love for all things arts and crafts. Throughout her life, she enjoyed taking a variety of arts and crafts classes, always eager to learn something new and express her creativity. She was especially fond of floral arranging, a talent she had a remarkable gift for. Her beautiful arrangements reflected her creativity, patience, and eye for beauty. Whether she was learning a new craft or creating something with her own hands, Susan found joy in bringing beautiful things to life.
One of Susan’s greatest personal dreams was to become a homeowner. With the same determination and perseverance that defined so much of her life, she partnered with Habitat for Humanity and proudly turned that dream into reality. Becoming a homeowner was more than simply having a house; it represented years of hard work, independence, and the fulfillment of a dream she held close her heart. It was a beautiful reminder that Susan was a woman who didn’t just dream of a better future—she worked to create one.
Above all else, Susan’s greatest accomplishment and deepest joy was her family.
She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Demetria Ann White, and son-in-law, Warren White; her son, Lawrence “Pete” Turner, and daughter-in-law, Rachel Turner; and her son, Elijah Q. Turner.
She was also a loving and proud grandmother to Maliya J. White, Zoey B. White, and Ben Turner. Her children and grandchildren were truly the center of her world, and the love she had for them was immeasurable.
To know Susan was to know a woman who was beautifully strong-willed, fiercely independent, incredibly loving, and undeniably funny. She had a personality all her own, a strength that carried her through life’s challenges, and a sense of humor that could bring laughter when it was needed most. She loved deeply, stood firmly in what she believed, and never hesitated to be exactly who she was.
Susan wasn’t simply someone you knew; she was someone you remembered.
While her passing leaves an emptiness that words cannot fully express, her family finds comfort in the countless memories, laughter, lessons, and love she leaves behind. Her legacy lives on in the strength of her children, the smiles of her grandchildren, and the hearts of everyone whose life she touched.
Although we must say goodbye to her earthly presence, the love of a mother and grandmother never truly leaves us. It lives in the stories we tell, the traditions we carry forward, the laughter we share, and the quiet moments when we feel her close.
A private graveside ceremony will be held at Washington Creek Cemetery, where Susan will be laid to rest alongside her beloved mother and father.
A celebration of life is also being planned to honor Susan, share cherished memories, and celebrate the beautiful life she lived.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever a part of us.
Memorial contributions may be made in Susan’s name to Habitat for Humanity and may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. To leave a message for Susan’s family, please visit Rumsey-Yost.com.
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