Obituary of Betty L Tanner

Betty Louise Tanner, 86, of Benton Harbor passed away on August 20, 2011 at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph, Michigan. Betty was born to February 25, 1925 to the late Viola (Shingledecker) Matrau in Watervliet, Michigan and was raised by her grandparents, Earl and Nellie Shingledecker. Merlyn Tanner won Betty's heart and on April 9, 1944 at a ceremony in Watervliet they wed. Betty was a homemaker who ran a tight ship. Her children fondly remember her for being the glue that held their family together. A woman who never had idle hands, Betty was talented in many different hand crafts including knitting, sewing, and cross stitch. When time allowed Betty also loved to go bowling. Her husband Merlyn, affectionately described Betty as a good woman. A woman who always had her family's interest at heart and a woman with whom he shared many laughs. She is preceded in passing by her parents and a brother, Gordon Metrau. She will be missed by her husband Merlyn, her three sons; Jeffrey (Joyce) Tanner of Peru, Indiana, Dennis (Linda) Tanner of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Timothy (Cheryl ) Tanner of Harrison, Michigan. She is also survived by her daughter Beth (Alan) Dickey of Nashville, Michigan, a sister, Doris Titworth, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.