Colleen Annette Gordon Turnipseed's Obituary
Colleen Gordon Turnipseed, born on October 18, 1945, in Spring Grove MN, peacefully passed away on August 14, 2023, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She was the beloved daughter of Emil and Phyllis (Hellickson) Anderson. Colleen spent her early years in her hometown of Mabel, MN, where she enjoyed time on the family farm. Colleen's vibrant spirit and zest for life were evident from a young age. As a small girl Colleen began singing with her siblings and playing musical instruments. She began her education at Mabel High School before moving to Winona, MN, during her senior year, where she graduated from Winona Senior High School. As a teenager, she embraced the art of competitive square dancing, traveling across the United States to participate in dance competitions. While pursuing this passion she also mastered the art of square dance calling. This dedication and passion for expression through movement laid the foundation for the warmth and liveliness that she brought to every interaction. She further pursued her passion for music at Winona State University, majoring in Music Education and showcasing her talents as a skilled baritone player and vocalist.
On April 3, 1971, Colleen exchanged vows with her first husband, James Gordon, in Winona, MN. Together, they embarked on a journey that saw them managing a vacuum cleaner distributorship. Their time together was cut short when James Gordon passed away on August 26, 1987. Amid adversity, Colleen's resilient spirit shone brightly, and she continued to find purpose and joy in life's moments.
Colleen was not only a woman of grace and godliness but also a devoted educator. For 14 years, she poured her heart into shaping young minds as a preschool teacher at First Baptist Church of Coweta, leaving an unforgettable mark on the lives of countless children. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering dedication to the growth and well-being of others were at the heart of everything she did.
On June 8, 2019, Colleen found love once again and married Bob Turnipseed in Coweta, OK. Their union was a testament to the resilience of the human heart and the beauty of finding love anew. Colleen was a beacon of love and positivity, never ending a conversation without expressing her affection through the simple yet profound words: "I love you." Her infectious laughter and ever-present smile were a source of comfort and joy to all fortunate enough to know her. Colleen cherished the simple pleasures in life, including the warmth of a handheld in companionship.
Colleen's legacy lives on through her loving survivors, including her devoted husband, Bob Turnipseed, her beloved daughters Angela Waller and her husband Jeff and Nicole Gordon, Cindy Loveless and her husband Howard, her stepson Lonnie Turnipseed and his wife Stacy, her cherished grandchildren James Waller and Addison Waller, as well as step-grandchildren Janice Bell and her husband Jeff, Laura Hendrix, and Matthew Turnipseed. Her lineage extends to six great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Colleen's memory is carried by her siblings and their spouses: Charles Anderson and Norma, Cheryl Brown and Robert, Craig Anderson, Clyde Anderson and Julie, Cindy Loveless and Howard, her sister-in-law’s that she loved like sisters Patsy Pollick, Carol Boone, Marilyn Davidson, and Peggy Gordon. Additionally, a number of nieces, nephews, and a vast network of friends share the grief of her passing.
Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, James Gordon, and a significant other, CW Creech. While she has left this earthly realm, her spirit and love continue to resonate, reminding us to embrace life with the same enthusiasm, compassion, and joy that defined Colleen Gordon Turnipseed's remarkable journey.
To carry out Colleen’s love and joy we ask in Lieu of flowers to please donate
to First Baptist Church Coweta Preschool for a special project in her memory. (First Baptist Church Coweta Preschool 15296 OK-72, Coweta, OK 74429 (918) 486-2158 (please note Colleen Gordon Turnipseed on donations or Venmo Angela-Waller-18))
What’s your fondest memory of Colleen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Colleen?
Share a story where Colleen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Colleen you’ll never forget.
How did Colleen make you smile?
