Raenelle Bonnie Turnbull

Raenelle Bonnie Gorham Turnbull passed away peacefully on June 8, 2023. She was born March 28, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, to her parents, Casson Gorham and Keytha (Johnson) Gorham. Raenelle was classy, smart, and beautiful, but above all other things, she was unique.

She graduated from Rockford East High, Il, in 1958 before attending Rockford Business School from 1957 to 1958 and Rockford University until 1960. She worked at Enders Greenhouse from 1979 until 1985 in Cherry Valley, Illinois, before working as a realtor for 15 years with Gambino-Hyland Realtors in the Rockford area. She worked with her niece and grand-niece for 20 years at Classified Ads, LLC.

On June 9, 1962, in Winnebago, Illinois, Raenelle married her beloved, Ralph Allen Turnbull. Although they had no children, Raenelle played a huge role in raising all of her nieces, great-nieces, and nephews as her own. They shared 58 wonderful years before his passing on June 6, 2020 and Raenelle passed on June 8, 2023, one day before her and Ralph's 61st wedding anniversary.

Those who knew her and Ralph will also remember the many years they spent traveling to knife shows selling exquisite custom knives Ralph made after he retired from Chrysler. They were active members of the Knifemakers Guild for almost 50 years.

Raenelle's nieces and nephews will forever remember her as the matriarch of the family, who played an irreplaceable role in their upbringing, filling their time creating memories filled with love and joy and making every Christmas magical when she gathered them into her home. They will always remember their homes (both in Rockford and Springhill) full of exotic pets, including the iconic Bull Terriers, Raenelle raised and showed for many years.

They moved to Spring Hill, Florida, in 2000 to be closer to their niece Brandi and nephew Taylor. Raenelle spent time spoiling their two Jack Russell terriers, Lilly 1 and Lilly 2, gardening and hosting dinners for family and friends.

Raenelle was preceded in death by Casson Gorham (father); Keytha Gorham (mother); Billie Jeane LaFavor (sister), Keytha Martin (niece), and Kimberly Fanning (niece).

Survived by Blaire Fanning, niece (Willie Regalado Jr.); Brandi Martin Kane, great niece (Mark Kane); Shayne Martin, great nephew (Emalie Martin); Raenelle Joiner, great niece (James Joiner Jr.); Lindsey Meyer, great niece; Taylor Martin, great nephew; Kelsey Lambert, great niece; Great-great nieces and Nephews Jadin Bartkiewicz, Josilyn Bartkiewicz, Gavin Kane, Loren Kane, James Joiner 3rd, Karson Joiner, Conner Martin, Logan Martin, Deran Fields, and Cruz Lambert. She is also survived by Steve Juanette and Willie Regalado Jr, whom Rae and Ralph considered nephews.

Raenelle's life will be celebrated with a small family gathering. At a date to be determined, she will be laid to rest with the love of her life Ralph in the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

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