Margaret Turnell

Margaret Turnell, age 102, of Durango, Colorado, passed away peacefully on the evening of July 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Margaret was born on April 14, 1923, in Granbury, Texas to W.L. and Jewell Bankston. She was the second oldest of eight children. Margaret met O.C. Turnell in Silver City, NM. In 1942, they were married in Albuquerque. They had three sons, Leon, Roy and Tom. The family settled in Durango, CO. in 1950. She lived a long and full life marked by strength, grace, and unwavering devotion to her family and church. Her kind heart, quiet wisdom, and enduring faith were a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew her.

Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved husband, O.C. Turnell; her eldest son, Leon Turnell; her granddaughter, Shelley Turnell; and her siblings: Otis Bankston, Nan Darling, Earl Bankston, J.L. Bankston, Delano Bankston, Herman Bankston, Arthur Bankston, and Charles Bankston.

She is survived by:

    - Her sons and daughters-in-law, Tom Turnell and his wife Ellen Turnell, Roy Turnell and his wife Billie Turnell

    - Her daughter-in-law, Joan Turnell (wife of the late Leon Turnell)

She was a cherished grandmother to:

    - Mike, Christa, Jeff, Shelley, and Caiah Turnell

Her great-grandchildren include:

    - T.J., Jack, Katy, and Emily Turnell

She was also blessed to have a great-great-granddaughter:

    - Lainey Turnell

Margaret’s legacy of love, perseverance, and deep family roots will live on through each generation that follows.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 24, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Hood Mortuary, located at 1261 E. 3rd Ave., Durango, CO. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 25, at 10:00 a.m. at Overland Church, located at 1715 W. 2nd Ave., Durango. A graveside service will follow immediately after the church service.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.