Our beloved Mother (Mema) joined her family in heaven on January 14, 2023. She was 91. She was the last of the 11 Tanner siblings to leave us!
Virginia was born in Dallas, Texas on April 6, 1931, to James and Virginia Tanner. She grew up with 9 brothers and 1 sister. She was active in sports and choir in her high school years. After graduating she moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where she pursued a job in banking. She went on to marry and then immediately started a family. Raising seven kids was her full-time job! She remained in Albuquerque but then had the opportunity to follow her children around the country to help raise their kids! She moved to Santa Fe, NM, Hobbs, NM, Phoenix, AZ, Seattle, WA, Las Cruces, NM, and finally Jemez Springs, NM!
In Las Cruces, she joined the community at Mira Vista senior apartments where she quickly made lots of friends! She participated in Bingo and other group activities. She deeply loved all the grandkids, grand-fur babies, and great-grandkids and cherished all their visits. Usually, a visit would consist of freshly baked peanut butter cookies! She was known for her special spaghetti and meatballs and would make it whenever she could. She also made the best fried chicken this side of the Rio Grande! Since she was a “Dallas” girl she passionately followed the Cowboys every season! They eventually earned the title Mema’s Cowboys! And she made sure to have her chicken wings and favorite beverage!!
In 2013 Virginia moved to the beautiful mountains of Jemez Springs, NM where she spent the last of her years enjoying the peacefulness of the scenic views with evening toasts of wine!
Many thanks to Jeni and Terry for sharing their mountain home with “Pretty Lady” Mom (Mema) for the last 7 years! Your patience and love were greatly appreciated more than you will ever know!
Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, all her siblings, and her youngest son Glenn Edward.
Her survivors include 5 daughters and 1 son: Karen Medrano (Tom) of Santa Fe, Sharon Roybal (Jeff) of Las Cruces, Tommy Young (Ana) of Las Cruces, Jeni Young (Terry) of Jemez Springs, Glenda Young, (Dan) Scottsdale, and Brenda Young of Scottsdale, 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 4, 3:00. Join us as we share some of her favorite memories, music, moments, and foods! Contact Sharon if you would like to join us via live stream. 575-496-2006
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