Buena “Dusty” Lee Turner Milson of McKinney, Texas passed on January 9, 2020, at the age of 79 years. She was born on November 24, 1940, to Frank “Cecil” and Gladys “Allene” (Wall) Turner in Hobbs, New Mexico. Dusty grew up in Pecos, Texas, where she participated in horse barrel racing and served as a junior sheriff’s deputy. After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Science Education from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), she taught chemistry, physics, biology and geology at Austin High School, in El Paso, while simultaneously completing her Master’s Degree in Science Education. Dusty met and married James "Jim” Milson on April 22, 1975. Jim was a professor in the Department of Teacher Education at UTEP and their life together revolved around science education, and together they mentored many budding science teachers. She served as director of student teaching and field experience at UTEP, where she was known for her collection of dragon figurines and elaborately manicured nails. Dusty was involved in planning, design and funding of El Paso’s INSIGHTS Science Museum, where she later served 10 years as Executive Director. She was Vice President and Acting President of the Science Teacher's Association of Texas and was awarded a National Energy Foundation Grant, allowing her to organize workshops for science educators for eight consecutive years. Dusty later attended Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas, earning accreditation in educational mid-management, administration and supervision, which she would use during her five years as Vice Principal at Fabens High School, Fabens, Texas. She was a lover of animals, and in addition to always have a home full of dogs, birds, fish, ferrets and others too extensive to list, Dusty brought home and nursed any she found, or was given, needing her loving care.
She is survived by daughter from her first marriage, Jacquelyn Caldwell of Austin, Texas, step-son, Andrew Milson and wife, Lori of Plano, Texas; step-daughter, Amy Klemmer of Mequon, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Colin Milson, Isabel Klemmer, Madeline Klemmer, and James Klemmer; brother-in-law, Thomas Milson and wife, Carol of McKinney, Texas; and numerous other loving family and friends as well as her Yorkshire Terrier, Mic, and grand-dog, Dashwood.
Dusty was preceded in death by her husband, Jim and parents.
A memorial will be held in El Paso, at a future date, where she and her beloved husband, Jim’s ashes will be laid to rest, in a place they chose together.
Memorial contributions may be made in Dusty’s honor to a local animal rescue organization.