Linda Turner

Linda Hammond Turner, 75, went to heaven November 30, 2020. Linda was born May 21, 1945 in Clovis, NM to Lee Ross and Helene Hammond. She married Edward W. Turner on January 22, 1966. They married 54 years ago, after meeting while attending West Texas State University. Butch and Linda have been residents together here in Borger for 48 years. Linda was involved in everything under the sun; her church, social organizations, schools and FUN.

She is survived by her husband Edward W. Turner, daughter, Katie Francis and husband Brad of Borger: son, Colby Turner of Austin. Two sisters, Martha Hammond Hardwick and Leigh Hammond Willmon both of Clovis, NM, 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grands and a prairie dog.

Now, as Paul Harvey would say, “Here’s the rest of the story……...” Linda was raised in Clovis, NM on the family ranch. She attended Clovis High School class of 1963...voted Most Friendly. She thought there was nothing better to do than ride horses and work cattle. She participated in rodeo, horse shows, with Cutting competitions being her favorite. She was awarded “Best Dressed Cowgirl” in the Pioneer Days parade at 5 years old. She was named New Mexico State Fair Queen in 1963, Miss Rodeo New Mexico in 1964 and runner-up for Miss Rodeo America. She received a Bachelor's degree in education from West Texas State and later a Master’s in Communication from West Texas A&M. She was a housewife and mother volunteering in PTA, coaching Odyssey of the Mind teams which she took to world competition. She accepted a position teaching at Frank Phillips College for 15 years, where she was named Teacher of the Year. One of her favorite sayings was “He/She was one of my former students.” Being involved in her church was a major part of her life. She was a Sunday School teacher as well as leading bible studies. She was involved with Vacation Bible School in several different capacities. Also, she served on numerous committees.

Linda was active in many civic organizations beginning with being a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority while at WT. She was a member of Adelante club for years serving in several offices including president. She served as president of the Top of Texas District of the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs being named outstanding clubwoman volunteer for the district as well as holding various positions on the board of the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs. She was a member of the Borger Ladies Golf association where she previously served as president. She also served on the boards of Opportunities Inc., Borger Community Activity Center and CareNet. Lola, as we call her, lived her life well……. worked to pursue and share knowledge, always had a book to read, in fact she has recorded the title of every book she has read since 1982. She played golf, gardened, sewed, and did needlework, did oil paintings, played bridge, loved and appreciated art and Indian pottery. She and Butch traveled as he played in golf tournaments for pleasure. Linda even had a hole-in-one at Panhandle Country Club. She enjoyed cooking with her sisters and dad in Chuckwagon Competitions. One year they won the World Championship at the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium in Ruidoso, NM.

But Lola’s favorite was her Sister’s (not nuns). Ohhhhhh,the stories! She was always ready to give them direction whenever they needed some (or not). They had adventures across the country, laughs and lists, hats and boots, and one dead prairie dog! Most important, Lola loved her family, loved being in the middle of it all, loved being a cheerleader for her kids and grandkids. She was their #1 fan. Lola loved her friends and she loved her Jesus. But, Jesus always wanted a Rodeo Queen!

A Celebration of Linda's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Lakan Mariano, College Hills Baptist Church and Pastor Charlie Morgan officiating. Burial will be at Westlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger.  The family requested that all attendees wear a mask or protective face covering.  In lieu of flowers her memory may be honored with a gift to CareNet, 300 W. Grand, Borger, Texas, 79007 or to the First Baptist Church Legacy Fund, PO Box 470, Borger, Texas, 79007.

The service will be livestreamed on First Baptist Church Borger facebook live.