Jacquelyn Carol

Tanner John

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Carol Tanner John, 82, passed away early Saturday morning, Oct. 31, 2009, in Safford.

Jacquelyn Carol Tanner John

Jackie was born May 3, 1927, in Thatcher to Carlos Henry and Carol Baker Tanner. She was the eldest of four children, Laura Louise (deceased at age 2) and twin brothers, CH & HC.

When Jackie was 5, her father drowned in a boating accident at San Carlos Lake. The family then moved to Douglas. Jackie attended Douglas schools until her junior year, when she returned to Thatcher to live with her grandparents, Henry (Hank) and Elizabeth Tanner. She graduated from high school a year early.

While living in Thatcher, she met the love of her life, Harvey J. John, and they were married Feb. 2, 1945, at the Navy base in San Diego, where Harvey was stationed.

Jackie and Harvey returned to the Lone Star area after his term in the service, and he began his farming career. Jackie spent her time helping her husband on the farm and raising her four children.

She enjoyed cooking, canning and sewing beautiful clothes for her family.

Jackie began working at the medical center in 1967. In 1981, she began her employment with Graham County as a medical eligibility worker and continued working there until her retirement in 1996.

Her favorite activities included playing cards with friends, waterskiing, camping and long rides with her husband. She also spent numerous hours watching her children and grandchildren with their different sporting, cheerleading and pompom events.

In 1997, Jackie suffered a massive stroke that limited her activities, but she always kept her sense of humor and beautiful smile.

Jackie remained in Safford under her husband's care until 2004, at which time she moved to the Phoenix area, where she resided with her daughter, Dana Birdno. This past year, Jackie was able to return to her home in Safford, where she received assistance from Kayla Norton; her granddaughter, Morgan Maylen; and Patty Chavez.

She is survived by her husband and children, Harvey Dale of Tucson, Denise Brooks and Dana Birdno of Litchfield Park, and Darlee Maylen of Safford; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Viewing is Friday, Nov. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Caldwell Chapel. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Solomon LDS Chapel, with family prayer and viewing preceding. A luncheon, with time to visit and share fond memories, will immediately follow the chapel services.

Graveside services will be held at about 1:30 p.m. at the Safford Cemetery. Online condolences can be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Caldwell Funeral Chapel.