Ruth McGee Tanner

FARMINGTON Ruth McGee Tanner Dec. 7, 1908 - July 10, 2011 Ruth McGee Tanner, 102, died peacefully at her home in Farmington on Sunday, July 10, 2011. She was born Dec. 7, 1908, to Elwood and Celia McGee, the third of ten children. The family traveled to many areas of the country by covered wagon before settling in Kirtland. Ruth married Don Tanner in 1931, the father of five children. During their years together, they had seven of their own. Ruth and Don left Kirtland to operate their flour mills in Allison and Bayfield, Colo. They moved to Farmington in 1950. Ruth loved people and all were welcome in her home. All were treated to her famous home-baked bread, cinnamon rolls and cherry pies when they came to visit. Unbelievable meals could be served up on a moment's notice, accompanied by much laughter and conversation. She worked hard and was proud of her accomplishment of owning and operating a successful apartment group later in life. She had her share of tribulations, her life was also full of joy. She always found the good in everything. She loved music and dancing and enjoyed organizing and participating in Saturday night dances at the Farmington Senior Citizen Center for many years. She loved children, whose laughter was her favorite sound. She enjoyed her church work teaching children how much their Savior loved them. Growing flowers and doing exquisite needle work gave her much satisfaction. She won many blue ribbons for her beautifully crafted blankets. She loved giving them as gifts for all occasions, and they were always treasured by those who received them. She was a loyal Phoenix Suns fan, rarely missing a game. Ruth was preceded in death by her brothers, Lawrence, William, Charles, Richard and Ellis McGee; her sister, Stella Tanner Allen; son, Thomas Tanner; daughter, Ramona Tanner; father of her children, Don Tanner; stepchildren, Harold Tanner, Halworth Tanner and Helen Tanner Stradling. She is survived by brother, Cliften (Betty) McGee; sister, Celia (Clarence) Wheeler; stepchildren, Leah Tanner Cardon and Colin Tanner; daughters, Ann Tanner and Donna Tanner; sons, David Tanner, James Tanner and Steven Tanner, to whom we are all grateful for the loving care he gave to his mother in her later years. She was active and involved throughout her 102 years, never losing her great sense of humor and remarkable memory. Her genuine desire to put others first endeared her to all she met. She will be missed dearly. Though we will miss her every day, we know there are many joyous reunions in heaven for her now. CArrangements are with Cope Memorial Chapel, 404 W. Arrington St. in Farmington, (505) 327-5142.