Betty D. Turnbell

Betty D. Turnbell, age 96, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 20th, 2026, at Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, with her loving family by her side. Betty was born on March 28th, 1930, in Amsterdam, NY to the late Kent and Marguerite (Phillips) Clark.

After high school, Betty enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving 3 years from 1951 – 1953, during the Korean conflict. Upon her honorable discharge, she married Donald Turnbell and began raising her family. Betty held many jobs over the years, often more than one at a time. Most recently, she worked as a bus monitor for “SCAP,” Schenectady Community Action Program, retiring in 2010 at the age of 80. In her free time, Betty loved listening to country music, reading, doing word search puzzles, watching the game show network, and spending time and traveling with her family.

Betty is survived by her children, Terry (Pam) Turnbell and Greg Turnbell; her handsome grandsons, Jason Blake, Matthew (Kelly) Turnbell, and Michael (Evelyn) Turnbell; her cherished great-grandchildren, Christopher Helenek, Chloe, Anastassia, and London Turnbell; along with several nieces and nephews. In addition, she also leaves behind her pets, Johnny and Lily.

In addition to her parents, Betty is predeceased by her beloved daughter, Kelly Blake, her brothers, Harlo and Robert Clark, and sisters, Norma Van Aernam and Arlene Taylor.

A special thanks to the staff at the VA, particularly the 7th and 8th floor nursing staff for their support and care over the many years, especially during these last few months.

A private Funeral Service will be held at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, Rotterdam, NY.

Interment with military honors will follow in Schenectady Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be offered in Betty’s name to the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, 113 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208.