Obituary of Juanita N. Tanke

Juanita N. (Gillham) Tanke, 84, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at Royalton Manor Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 29, 1928 in Judsonia, Arkansas to the late Clayton C. and Cealie Mae (Head) Gillham. On February 8, 1947 Juanita married Robert Tanke at a ceremony in their pastor's home in Benton Harbor, Michigan. A bookkeeper for many years, Juanita worked for Pyramid Oil Company, Roti Motors and Ace Hardware. Her hobbies included Gardening and reading. Spending time with her beloved family was her greatest treasure. She was preceded in death by her father Clayton Gillham, her mother and step-father Cealie (Girlie) Fisher, her husband Robert Tanke, a son Robert E. Tanke, a daughter Debra Tanke-Dupuie, a grandson Daniel Blankenship and two brothers Forrest Lee Head and Clayton Gillham. Juanita is survived by her son Bruce (Beverly) Tanke of Benton Harbor, grandchildren; Robert (Sue) Tanke, Susan (Rob) Lausch, Daniel (Michelle) Knapp, Amanda Dupuie and Jamie and Stephen Dupuie, great-grandchildren; Justin (Deborah) Blankenship, Kyle Blankenship, Samantha Blankenship and Ryan Knapp and a great-great-grandson Thomas. In keeping with Juanita's wishes a private family gathering will be held at North Shore Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Great Lakes Hospice Foundation 900 Cooper Street, Jackson, Michigan 49202.