Irene Jennie

Tanner

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IN LOVING MEMORY

Irene Jennie Tanner

Aug 19 1926 - Jul 29 2021

Irene Jennie Tanner of McKinney, Texas passed away on July 29, 2021 at the age of 94. She was born on August 19, 1926 to Domenic P. and Minnie (nee Reano) Ruffatti in Coal City, Illinois. Irene attended Assumption Grade School in Coal City, Illinois and then graduated from Coal City High School, class of 1943 at the age of 16. From there she attended Metropolitan Business College in Joliet, Illinois. Irene worked for Grundy County Court House in Morris, Illinois – Circuit Clerk’s Office, Ordnance Ammo Center, Joliet Arsenal in Joliet, Illinois – U.S. Gov. Procurement Division and at Chanute AFB in Rantoul, Illinois – Secretary to Comptroller. In 1954 she married Perry A. Tanner of Midlothian, Illinois – Air Force Veteran and Civil Engineering graduate of the University of Illinois, class of 1956. Irene retired from government service in 1956 when Perry’s career with Stanley Engineering Co. took them to Muscatine, Iowa. Together they had three children, David R. Tanner of McKinney, Texas, Carol E. Tanner and husband, Steven Ruggiero of Niles, Michigan and Roger J. Tanner of Rosamond, California. In 1962 the family returned to Illinois, and settled in the Midlothian and Harvey, Illinois area. Irene guided the children through their grade school and high school years at Ascension Grade School and Thornridge High School. During these years, Irene also enjoyed playing the organ at Ascension Church and growing roses in her garden. When the children left for college, Irene attended courses at Thornton Community College and was employed as a travel consultant at South Holland Travel, South Holland, Illinois from 1983 until 2005.

Irene is survived by her children, David, Carol, and Roger; grandson, Daniel Tanner (son of David); son in-law, Steven Ruggiero; brother, A. Raymond Ruffatti; sisters in-law, Marge and Carol Ruffatti; and several nieces, nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Perry Tanner in 2013; siblings, Catherine Ferrari and Peter Ruffatti.

A visitation will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday, August 1, 2021 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. 

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