Mary Louise Tanner, 93, of Richmond, passed away Friday, February 1, 2019.  She was surrounded by family, along with the loving staff of Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Shirkey Hospice & Palliative Care.

Mary Louise was born August 9, 1925, to Irvin Monroe and Edna Marguerite (Brown) Turnage of Rayville. Mary Louise met the love of her life, Oswald Tanner, when he returned from the Navy. She had previously boarded with the Tanner family while teaching in the local rural school. Mary Louise and Oswald married on June 8, 1949. They celebrated 65 years of marriage before he passed on June 22, 2014.

Mary Louise loved her family deeply. She and Oswald set up housekeeping on the farm southwest of Richmond and welcomed four children: Edgar Alan Tanner of Kansas City; Janis Ann Lanning and husband Don of Richmond; Joyce Elaine Tanner of St. Joseph; and Wilma Jean Cory and husband Don of Kansas City. From these unions, Mary Louise enjoyed nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild: Amy Tanner and fiancé Soen Sheppard, Tracy and Mark Evans with Owen and Bode; David and Sandra Lanning with Emmalin, Grayson and Wyatt, Daniel and Sauphia Lanning with Caden, Kniles, and Titan, Rebecca and Paul Daniel Bricker, Jordan and Alyssa Lanning, Adrienne Rendon, Alexis Rendon with Liam; Bryce Cory, Kyla Cory, Megan Cory, and Erin Cory-Racowski and Jimmy Riffe with Isaiah, Michael, James, and Hunter. Nothing made "Grandma" happier than baking cookies, making playdough, serving homemade donuts or biscuits 'n gravy, sharing crafts and crocheting, or anything to do with the children. She was a wonderful seamstress, as well as the food chef for Grandpa's wiener roasts. The family knew she was the prayer warrior for all the children, grandchildren, and extended family. Her creativity and sincere love had no bounds.

Mary Louise was a patient teacher with a servant heart.  After early years in rural schools and starting a family, Mary Louise accepted a call to teach kindergarten in Richmond. She found a special niche when asked to teach at the State School for Severely Handicapped. She formally retired after 34, years, but she never quit teaching. She continued to substitute and volunteer her time tutoring until her mid-80's· when failing eyesight made it impossible.

Most of all, Mary Louise's love for the Lord oozed into every aspect of her life. She professed Jesus as Savior at a young age and longed to follow God faithfully ever since. Besides a personal quiet walk of Bible study and prayer, Mary Louise taught Sunday school, VBS, Awana, and mission groups through the years.  In the early 60's, she helped form the Sunshine class for special needs children. She believed God touches all lives and everyone deserved to know Him better. She loved to read her Bible and listen to old hymns of faith. Even in her last days, she appreciated those who read the Word to her as she recounted how soon she would be "home."

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother, Loren Turnage.

Other survivors include one sister, Charlotte Johnson of Richmond; three sisters-in-law Virginia Bryan of Richmond, Joan Dice of Liberty, Judy Turnage of Higginsville, and a brother-in-law Kenneth Wayne Tanner of Richmond. Mary Louise was also loved by many cousins, nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions to First Baptist Church of Richmond, Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center or Shirkey Hospice.  They are especially grateful for Shirkey's excellent care on Wing 5 since 2017. These workers became friends.  Memorials may be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street - P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Richmond.  Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 8, 2019 at Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond.  Interment will follow in New Hope Primitive Baptist Cemetery just up the road from the family farm.  Please share your memories of Mary by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .