The passing of Ruth Turner is indeed a sad event. She was one of the
"giants" of modern North American Malacology, and from all reports, one
of the kindest, most encouraging scientists around, and one of her most
important contributions was the way she inspired and supported others -
especially students - to do their best and become dedicated to the
pursuit of unbiased knowledge, as she was.  I only met her the once,
while visiting Harvard in 1995 or so, but her combination of
professionalism, discipline and humanity made a deep impression on me,
and i am enriched by it to this day.  She will be sorely missed.

-Ross M.