LOUISE KREHER TURNER

LOUISE KREHER TURNER 1914 - 2012 Dr. Louise Kreher Turner, Associate Professor Emerita of Health, Education and Recreation was born in New Orleans on July 30, 1914 to the late Charles William Kreher and Hazel Hillary Brennan. Dr. Turner passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at Oak Park Nursing Home in Auburn, Al. She achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southwest Louisiana (1933), Master of Arts and Master of Science in Physical Education degrees from Louisiana State University (1936 and 1937), and her PhD from New York University (1970). Highlights of the 1940s to 1970s include the study of dance with Ted Shawn as Jacob's Pillow and with Mary Wigman in Dresden, Germany, teaching elementary physical education through public broadcasting, conducting workshops in dance, and receiving numerous awards for her service and creative achievements. Her experiences in dance and recreation led her to a lifelong commitment to community involvement and the environment. Dr. Turner was named Auburn Citizen of the Year in 1954 and again in 2000. She was named the Outstanding Alumna of the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1979. In 1993, she and her late husband, Frank Allen Turner, donated land to the Auburn Foundation earmarked for the Auburn University Forestry Department to establish the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve. She received the W. Kelly Mosley Environmental Award in 2000 and the DAR Martha Wayles Jefferson Community service Award in 2004. In her late eighties, Dr. Turner established herself as a writer of note with the publication of Margaretha's Trunk, a novel based on the story of her family's arrival in America in the early 1800's. She later published an environmental fable, Before Your Very Eyes. Dr. Turner is survived by a number of nieces and nephews as well as many friends including a special caregiver Gail Gunn. Funeral services for Dr. Turner will be held Friday, January 27, 2012 at 11:00 am at Jeffcoat-Trant Chapel conducted by Chaplain Hank Demous, and friend Robin Fowler. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to your favorite charity or to Oak Park Auxiliary, 1365 Gatewood Drive, Auburn, Al 36830. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory is directing. www.jeffcoattrant.com