Zelda Louise Tarrant

Zelda Louise Tarrant went to be with her Lord on August 25, 2018. She was 94 years young. Louise was the beloved wife for over 55 years to the late Edward Buel Tarrant; loving mother to the late John (Kay) Tarrant, Jim (Pat) Tarrant, Gary (Lisa) Tarrant, Nola (Steve) Bramos and Tim (Michelle) Tarrant; caring grandmother to Lori (Tarrant) Albert, Bill Tarrant, Mark Tarrant, Jason Tarrant, the late Dan Bramos, Michael Tarrant, Eric Bramos, Jennifer (Tarrant) Burton, Heather (Bramos) Brown, Tom Bramos, Melissa (Tarrant) Brooks, Matthew Bramos, Savannah Tarrant and Edward Tarrant. She also had 20 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Louise (Blackburn) Tarrant was born in Akron, Ohio on May 4, 1924. After graduating high school, Louise proudly served in the U.S. Army as a nurse during World War II at Camp Atterberry, Indiana. While taking time off from her nursing duties, she went roller skating where she met a soldier recuperating at the camp after being injured by a bomb in France while riding a motorcycle. That soldier was Ed Tarrant and Ed noticed the nurse and “accidentally” fell right in front of her. She helped him up, their eyes met, they dated and fell in love. Ed wrote home to his mom on May 23, 1945, that he'd met an Army nurse, but "it was nothing serious." Three days later, they were married and it lasted a lifetime.

After the war, Ed and Louise moved to Michigan. While she was busy raising 5 children and maintaining a household, she also supported Ed’s construction business by handling all the books. In the early years, Louise moved the family numerous time following Ed all over the U.S. for construction projects. At one point, going as far as living in a 30 foot camping trailer with 4 kids for several months.

As Louise was completely devoted to her family, her life was also guided by her strong dedication and love for God. She has a long and rich history with the Kimberly Downs and Holmes Road Church of Christ. As a wife of an elder, Louise was actively involved in the church, comforted the sick/shut-ins and taught bible school.

She spent a lifetime caring for others and showing acts of kindness. She once told a story about WWII when she was caring for a badly injured soldier. “I knew he was dying, and he knew he was dying” Louise recalls. She vowed not to leave him alone and held his hand the entire night. She was a woman of self-sacrifice as she also tirelessly cared for Ed at home for over 6 years when he was bedridden. Even when facing challenges, she maintained a positive attitude and an uplifting soul.

Her greatest enjoyment in life was her family and friends. She was an awesome great/grandmother by spoiling the kids with homemade no-bake cookies, sleepovers, crafts, treats and visits to Cracker Barrel. She loved her siblings and enjoyed her trips back to Ohio to visit. She was well-liked and she was a great friend to many. Louise hosted cards for a large group of friends that met every Thursday to play a lively game of Hand and Foot.

Her hobbies were reading, garage sales, crafting and playing cards. Recently, she even taught a crafting class at Green Acres Assisted Living where she was a resident.

Louise was a delightful lady, full of grace, love and history. She will be missed here on earth but we have faith that her heaven most certainly includes a Cracker Barrel and a large supply of Symphony chocolate bars.

Visitation will be held from 6 - 8 pm Thursday, August 30 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave. East Lansing, MI. The funeral is scheduled for 11:00 am Friday, August 31 at the Greater Lansing Church of Christ, 310 N. Hagadorn, East Lansing, MI. A reception in the basement of the church will follow the service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Louise’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Veterans Support Center of Michigan, in honor of Zelda Louise Tarrant at 44444 Mound Road, Suite 100, Sterling Heights, MI 48314.