Obituaries

On Wednesday morning October 27, 2021, our loving Viola Rina Tanner passed away at age 97. No words can truly capture what an amazing woman Viola was and the impact she had on her family, friends, and community. A woman who always put others before herself and lifted our spirits with her infectious smile.

Viola was born in McLaughlin, South Dakota on February 27, 1924 to parents Dick and Pearl Andreoff. She was one of six children. Brothers, Gerald and Richard and sisters, Betty, Eva and Jean. Her family moved to Wyandotte, Oklahoma and later to Filer, Idaho in 1933. Viola graduated from Filer High School in 1942. After graduation Viola moved west to Los Angeles where she would join the Rosie the Riveter workforce at McDonald Douglas Aircraft. Viola was also very proud of her Wyandotte heritage, being the great-granddaughter of Chief John Sarahas. Viola had fond memories dancing and bowling after work with her friends while living in Los Angeles. Later she would move to Alameda and meet and marry Johnnie Tanner in 1946 and have two children. She often worked two jobs to support them. Despite the hardships Viola faces, she never complained and kept pushing forward one foot in front of the other. After living in the projects of Alameda she was able to buy a house in San Leandro in 1958 where she would begin a 63 year long friendship with Tom and Dolores O’Brien and their family.

Viola was very grateful for her health and to be able to live independently. She worked until age 85, bookkeeping for many companies. Viola always made impressions on anyone she met and was a firm believer that keeping busy was a key part to her longevity. She loved bowling with her friends and family until age 94. She kept busy around her home by hosting family gatherings, gardening, swimming, and taking walks. When asked where her favorite places are she would respond with home, visiting Black Oak Casino with her daughter Linda, and Sanibel Island. Although Viola is no longer with us, she lived a life full of love and adventure. Viola’s love and passion for all things is what defines the person we all admire. There are no words that can truly describe how much Viola meant to her loved ones and how much she will be missed. We will forever treasure her in our hearts and memories.

Viola is survived by her children Linda (Mike) and Richard (Marlene). Her sister Jean. Her grandchildren Rich (Chris), Juliet, Michael, and Jennifer. Her great-grandchildren Jonathan, Sophie, Gabriel, Samuel, and Gideon. Along with numerous other family members who she loved.