Loretta May Tanner completed her earthly journey on July 6, 2019 at the age of 90 in Medford, OR. Loretta was born on May 13, 1929 to Oscar and May Jackson on the family homestead on Frozen Creek near Myrtle Creek, Oregon. Loretta graduated in 1947 from Rensselaer High School, Rensselaer, IN. She is survived by her husband of 69.5 years, Walter L. Tanner. They were married on January 9, 1949 in Rensselaer, IN.
The other surviving are her six children and their spouses: Rick Tanner (Ben) Seattle, WA; Roger Tanner (Lynese) Grants Pass, OR; Pam Pruner (Mike) Selma, OR; Steve Tanner (Deanne) Central Pt., OR; Curt Tanner (Cathy) Eagle Point, OR and Tina Hodnett (Eddie) Prineville, OR. In addition, she is survived by 16 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. Her sister, Wanda Gilbert, is currently living in Monon, IN.
Over the years, Loretta and Walter moved their family from Indiana to Oregon, from Oregon to Arizona, and finally back to Oregon. Loretta worked for a number of years as a “lunch-lady” in the Phoenix-Talent school district. She worked for Motorola Electronics in Scottsdale, AZ; and eventually retired from Providence Hospital as a baker. She was an active member of the Talent United Methodist Church and was a member of the church choir. While living in Prineville, OR, she and Walter were volunteers for Meals on Wheels.
She enjoyed family gatherings, making quilts, and baking. There was always room at the dinner table for friends and family. She was a loving, caring and nurturing mother. She always made sure that you knew you were loved no matter the situation or adversity that you faced. She was the greatest wife, mother, grandmother, and friend one could ask for.
She had written in a note stating: if she could live her life over again, she would, “Do pretty much the same; perhaps get an education for another occupation, but still marry and raise a family. Marriage and family have been my greatest blessings.”
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity for Loretta.
A memorial service will be held 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Talent United Methodist Church (206 S 1st St., Talent, OR 97540), followed by a reception
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