Martha Ellen Ashby Tanner - July 16, 1916 to January 16, 2012 - My Mother! Married 70 years to Merlynn M. Tanner - August 6, 1941 to August 13, 2011 on earth - and for all eternity.

Here is what I wrote for Chris to read at the funeral which will be January 20, 2012. Chris will represent me and our family and also the grandchildren as he is the oldest.


As I contemplated what I could say about my mother that would encapsulate her qualities, the thought came that she has qualities like the Holy Ghost whose mission it is to comfort, guide and testify.
Throughout my life, Mom was able to comfort me in my sorrows both large and small. Her kind words and gentle touch calmed my fears and hushed the nagging worries of my life. The touch of her hand on my feverish head was cooling and brought great comfort and relief. A pat on my arm told me that she was proud of me and loved me unconditionally.
Just as the Holy Ghost can guide us in our decisions and protect us from physical and spiritual danger, so my mother guided and protected me. The blessings she gave me of a good family life and consistent church attendance gave me a template for my own family. Because of her teachings and example, I knew right from wrong. We were taught to be moral and live clean lives.
The Holy Ghost testifies of Christ. So did my mother. Her certainty of the resurrection was reassuring and certain. I knew that she believed that the Savior had come to show us how to live and to atone for our sins. She let us know that there was a way to happiness and she wanted it for us. I was blessed to have a "mother who knew".
The verses of the hymn, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" contain some beautiful sentiments that apply not only to my Savior and can also apply to my mother.
She lived to comfort me, to hear my soul’s complaint, to silence all my fears, to wipe away my tears, to calm my troubled heart, and to impart all blessings.
I feel very blessed to have had such a mother. She wanted me to go on a mission even though she knew that she might not be here when I returned. I will always feel her loving comfort, guidance and testimony and I am so thankful to be her daughter.

Barbara Tanner Gibson January 21, 2012