Martha Tanner

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Martha Jane Tanner, 79, of Sikeston died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

She was born Dec. 26, 1923, in Bowling Green, Mo., daughter of Thomas and Effie Moss Stoner. She and James A. Tanner were married June 20, 1942.

Tanner was a 1942 graduate of Blodgett High School. She had worked in the cafeteria at Sikeston Public Schools. She was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church and life member of Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary.

Survivors include two sons, Ben Tanner of Alexandria, La., Mike Tanner of Warner Robins, Ga.; three daughters, Sue Rogers of Sikeston, Betty Hampton of Cape Girardeau, Peggy Thurman of Sikeston; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, two sisters, two grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.

Friends may call at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Fellowship Baptist Church, with the Rev. Joe McCullough officiating. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery.