Margot Meerholz Turner's Obituary
Margot Liselotte Ottilie Meerholz Turner, 92, was born December 11, 1931, to Johann Heinrich Meerholz and Elisabeth Apollinia Meerholz in Frankfurt, Germany. She was the fourth born out of her five beloved siblings. Although her education was interrupted by war, she remained focused and completed business school. She proudly ran a store in downtown Frankfurt until she met the love of her life, a Czechloslavakian born, German speaking, American soldier named Rudy Turner. They married on January 14, 1956, and traveled around Europe before they began their next adventures together: moving to the United States and starting a family. Margot cherished motherhood and believed one of her greatest lifetime achievements was having two daughters, Shelba and Sharon. Margot became a citizen of the United States on November 27, 1963, and planted roots in Garland, Texas where she met and created lifelong friendships with other German immigrants.
During Margot’s incredible 92 years of life she was a dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, oma, great-oma and friend to all. Her life was filled with memorable highs and difficult lows, all of which she responded to with a strength disproportionate to her small size. Margot was an eternal optimist and the embodiment of personal strength; she never let anything diminish her positive attitude or prevent her from enjoying life to the fullest. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering character, courage, and devotion to her family— who miss her deeply.
When recently asked if she had any regrets in life, her response was, “I can’t remember that I had any, I have nothing to complain. I have a fulfilled life; I had a very good husband and a very good family. I still have that family, I have my Rositta still too. It’s life, we all have to go at some point. But my time has been good. I have been to many places and made many memories that I am thankful for. I got to meet my little Grace Margot and see her dimples.”
Margot was predeceased by her father Johann Heinrich Meerholz, mother Elisabeth Apollinia Meerholz, brother Heinz Meerholz, sister Annie Schneider, sister Wilma Hoheisel, and husband Rudy Turner. She is survived by her daughter Shelba Distasi, daughter Sharon Harris, son-in law (“her boy”) Kelly Harris, sister Rositta Pohl, brother-in law Dieter Paularo, granddaughter Hannah Harris, granddaughter Ruth Symank and husband Addison Symank (also “her boy”), great-granddaughter Grace Margot Symank, grand-niece Susanne Hüsemann, grand-niece Candice Smith, grand-niece Christina Foley, grand-niece Jennifer VanSchuyver, Jim Wise, Melinda Stewart, Shuntae Steele, Nanci Nash , and her dearly loved dog, Tiny Mouse.
Services will be held at Restland Funeral Home on Friday, September 6th. Visitation begins at 1pm followed by a service at 3pm in the Freedom Garden where she will be laid to rest with her greatest love, her husband of 64 years.
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