Sad end to Arizona search for retired Sanislo Elementary PE teacher Sue Turner

| Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Photo courtesy Stu Hennessey)

That signal-box portrait on 16th SW north of SW Holden has turned from a tribute to a memorial, after sad news from Arizona. As reported here in October 2020, the box was commissioned from prolific painter Desmond Hansen as a tribute to Sue Turner and Bud Turner, local educators renowned for their PE achievements. Ms. Turner, 76, was especially beloved at Sanislo Elementary, where she long served as PE teacher. She was reported missing in the Tucson area last month, with a Silver Alert issued, but after a two-week search, authorities reported she was found deceased. News stories from Arizona have no further details. Bud Turner died a year ago at age 77; the couple had been married for 52 years.

Jennie October 9, 2024 (12:30 pm)

This breaks my heart. My thoughts are with her family. Sue and Bud trained me to be a PE teacher. They were an amazing team and she was an incredible woman that has touched the lives of so many people in extraordinary ways.

Ann Adachi October 25, 2024 (5:14 pm)

Hi Jennie, We both posted a tribute to Miz T (Sanislo) on the West Seattle Blog. Did you know the family has also created a personal blog to honor her life with a guestbook that nobody has signed except me😢. I know the family is quite disappointed because I received an email from them, thanking me, but also expressing sadness about the lack of response. Anyways I ? if you have any ideas how we can send this message out to more people who knew her so they can sign the guestbook plus the family blog will also keep us updated about a memorial. Maybe I’ll send this message to Sanislo’s principal to see about spreading the word. Thx!! Here’s the link: https://teamturner.blog/memorial-details/

Alki resident October 9, 2024 (12:41 pm)

I’ll try to chalk this up to Mr. Turner called her home and they’re reunited once again. Sad to hear.

KM October 9, 2024 (12:54 pm)

Very, very sad news. Bud and Sue were amazing people and will be greatly missed. Only solace is that they are reunited again. Sending the family condolences.

PDiddy October 9, 2024 (2:05 pm)

Sad. I always wondered who they were. I pass that a lot.

Sanislo Alum October 9, 2024 (2:44 pm)

Mz. (she spelled it with a z) T was truly remarkable. The SCATS program she and Bud started at Sanislo was such an impactful program for elementary-aged students. She taught kids how to work as a team, that hard work pays off, and to be confident and always have fun with what you’re doing. Tumbling, unicycling, jumping rope and juggling in that gym are some of the best memories of my life. I’m lucky to have spoken to Sue earlier this year and will now cherish that phone call forever. A true legend❤️

Amberley October 9, 2024 (8:14 pm)

Mz T was the best, I love hearing other peoples memories of all the awesome things she taught us
Fellow sanislo alum October 20, 2024 (7:07 pm)

I can’t believe I’m just hearing about this. She was really something special.

Andee October 9, 2024 (2:51 pm)

I am stunned & devastated to hear this tragic news about “Ms. Turner”, as we called her at Sanislo. She taught PE to my 2 daughters & the SCATS circus performance team. She was larger than life, tough but w/a heart of gold. She & Bud devoted their lives to the kids & touched our community in countless ways which will never be forgotten. Please keep us informed if there will be a service. R.I.P Ms. Turner!

Jissy October 9, 2024 (5:46 pm)

WHAT??? Noooooo!!! I played pickleball with Sue, oh my gosh, so sad, she was such a feisty vibrant lady. Oh, goodness.

--- October 10, 2024 (2:05 pm)

Fondest of all memories where she played, “Celebration, Let’s celebrate…” usually with everyone exercising with jump rope (Jump Rope for Heart), gymnastics (SCAT), and even just jumping jacks. Ms. Turner was the highlight and the lasting memory of what was the Best at Sanislo which was an inclusive, no judgement, and having fun attitude while getting our heart rates up. Let’s celebrate them always for the gifts they endlessly gave us which was to always go beyond and push ourselves to the next level.

Gloria Foss October 10, 2024 (3:17 pm)

Sue and Bud could not take their eyes away from each other in Anatomy class at Seattle U. We were in a few classes together. They taught in Seattle, wrote a book, and were instrumental in lifting elementary students up to do their best, and PE , as well. A tragic end for her.

Angela Moore October 10, 2024 (7:11 pm)

Sue Turner was my PE teacher when Sanislo opened. She was one of my favorite teachers. Her contributions were many.

Bryan Pule October 11, 2024 (1:57 pm)

Sue and Bud Turner also assisted me earn my PE endorsement in the mid/late 90’s… I still have their “Ready-to -Use Pre-Sport Skills Activities Program book that helped me gain my footing when I moved from teaching 7th Grade Social Studies and Language Arts in Nov. 2000 to teaching K-5th Elementary PE. I am now celebrating my 25th year at Whittier Elementary in the Seattle Public Schools. Mahalo and Aloha, Sue and Bud. You have allowed me a career of joy, laughter, and smiles.

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