Rua Tanner

Rua (Penny) Dubois Tanner, age 88 of Waco, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at a local hospital. A private graveside service will take place at Waco Memorial Park. Memorial Services will be held Saturday May 4, 2013 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel.
Penny was born on May 8, 1924 in Haynesville, Louisiana to H. W. Palmer and Mabel Shields Palmer. Penny grew up in Louisiana with two sisters, Gwen and Elaine, and a brother, James. She married Charlie Lee Nolan and they had two sons, Larry Wayne Nolan and Garland Lee Nolan. Penny and Charlie divorced in 1953. She married Loyd Lynn Tanner February 2, 1955. She and Loyd lived in Waco and China Spring areas until Loyd’s death in 1997. Penny worked briefly as a waitress, but most of her life she was a housewife and homemaker.
Penny was a gifted artist and used her talents to design and paint original artwork on china, decorative tiles and ceramic figures. She worked in her studio at home and often held classes there. She enjoyed spending time with other artists and was always eager to add share her art with others.
An excellent cook, Penny spent many hours in the kitchen preparing meals for her family and for others. She was always on the lookout for new recipes. She enjoyed having people over for dinner and playing cards and dominoes. Penny also enjoyed bowling and going fishing with Loyd. She was especially fond of having her grandchildren over for the night, playing games, and having big Christmas and Thanksgiving get togethers. She loved family and cherished every minute she could spend with her loved ones.
Penny was preceded in death by her parents, sisters and brother, her son, Larry Nolan, and her husband, Loyd Tanner.
She is survived by one son, Garland Lee Nolan, and one step-son, Carlton Lynn Tanner.
The family would like to thank the loving staff of Sterling House, the attentive caregivers at Senior Care of Hewitt, and the exceptional nursing staff on the fourth floor at Hillcrest who cared for her during her final hours on earth.
You are invited to leave memories and messages for the family at www.gracegardensfh.com.