Gertrude Ann Tanner

She is survived and was dearly treasured by a large circle of family and friends which include her brother, 2 children, 3 grand children, and 7 wonderful great-grandchildren.

A strong, generous and loving force of Nature, Gertie was a friend and confidant, who could always be counted on, and was. She lived each moment to the fullest, and was indeed a blessing from above to all those who knew her.

Gertie was born on April 22, 1924 in rural Alabama to Lena and Meredith Smith and was raised in southern Mississippi, in and around Sumrall. In 1941, while attending Mississippi Southern College in Hattiesburg, she met and fell in love with a young U.S. Army 1st Sergeant from Waco, Texas who was stationed at nearby Camp Shelby.

Gertie and James W. Tanner, Jr. were married December 10, 1942 in the Camp Shelby Chapel, and after passing through the Honor Guard saber arch outside, they went forward and together shared the many adventures of theirs, the Greatest Generation.

Gertie built superchargers for P38 and P51 Fighters, while her new husband was serving in North Africa and Italy. After WWII ended, Gertie and Tanner resided in Waco, Texas with their baby daughter. In 1952, the family began years of Army travel, first to Salzburg, Austria, then Baumholder, Germany, taking many fun-filled vacations throughout Europe. In 1961, they welcomed a son into the world while at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Tanner’s final duty station prior to his Army retirement. The family then moved to Austin, the city she would call home for the next 49 years. Gertie now returns to San Antonio, where she joins her husband in final rest at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Gertie had many skills, interests and hobbies. When she was not helping others, she stayed constantly busy gardening, sewing, cooking, traveling, reading, watching Texas Longhorn football and listening to great country music (especially Willie Nelson). Gertie most enjoyed spending time with and cooking for her family and friends. She always received rave reviews for her delicious pecan pies.

Survivors include her brother Jimmie Smith, and children Pat Peek and Keith Tanner.

Twin granddaughters Peggy Peek, Penny Davis and husband Mike, and their children Katie Davis and Jackson Clinesmith.

Grandson David Peek and wife Kristy, and their children, Nathaniel Peek, Samuel Peek, Hettie Peek, Katie-Beth Peek, and Daniel Peek, and the grandchildren’s father, Dr. Darwin Peek.

Gertie also leaves behind many relatives, good friends and devoted neighbors, especially Mrs. Aggie Sorensen.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Sunday, January 15, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville. Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, January 16, 2012 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209.

To share memories with the family, please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com.