Doris G. Mook Tanner

Doris G. (Mook) Tanner, age 90 of Meadville, formerly of Townville, died peacefully on January 1, 2021, following a short illness, with her daughter by her side. Doris was born March 3, 1930 in Dunmore, West Virginia, the daughter of the late John L. Galford and Edna M. Dilley Galford. She graduated from Townville High School where among other activities, she played sports, was a majorette with the school band, and acted in school plays. Following graduation Doris enjoyed the people she met at her first job at the Chase and Frieze restaurant. Soon she began her tenure at the Separation Inspection Dept. of Plant 5, with Talon Inc., a job she liked and where she made many friends. Doris retired from Talon after 35 years. In retirement, she again enjoyed lively people interaction while working parttime at the Country Table for a few years. On February 11, 1950 Doris married Paul R. Mook who preceded her in death on October 4, 1975. On May 19, 1989 she married H. Gene Tanner who preceded her in death on April 23, 2003. Doris loved nature, animals, and sports, especially playing basketball. She instilled these loves in her daughter, and they spent much time together sharing these interests. Doris also loved oil painting. Most of her paintings were nature scenes, animals, birds, or flowers. Doris was a very good cook, specializing in good home cooking and fantastic pies. Loving to spend time with her granddaughter, and wanting to pass along these skills, Doris taught her granddaughter to bake her first apple pie from scratch when she was only two years old. Spending time with her family was perhaps Doris's greatest love, whether in her home, at their homes, or on their adventures and travels near and far. She also enjoyed her many friends, who at the time of her death ranged in age from 3 to over 100 years old. People loved talking to Doris about many things, loving her humor, appreciating her as a good listener, and often benefiting from her wisdom and good counsel. She loved children and encouraged many young people to pursue a good education. Doris will always be "Nana Doris" to young Isabella and Janel Saenz Tarin, and "Dory" to young Tessa Heyler. In 2018, Doris talked with her granddaughter's second grade students, in an under-resourced Detroit neighborhood school, about the importance and life-long joy of reading. Then she read to them. The children adored her. Doris is survived by her daughter, Rev. Dr. Sharon L. Mook, her son-in-law, David E. Crawford, and her granddaughter, Cameron Crawford-Mook, all of Beverly Hills, Michigan. She is also survived by stepson, James L. Tanner (Helen) of Elkins, West Virginia; stepdaughter, Deborah Tanner Jacobs (Mark) of Austin, Texas; four step grandchildren: Justin Tanner, Kayla Tanner, Jessica Jacobs, and Jamie Jacobs Robertson; four step greatgrandchildren; sister, Betty Spaid of Meadville; two brothers, John P. Galford (Jean Schell) and Eugene W. Galford (Laverne), all of Townville; sister-in-law, E. LaRue Mook of Grove City; and thirteen nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husbands, Doris was preceded in death by six brothers-in-law, four sisters-in-law, and a nephew. Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, from 2:00-8:00 p.m. COVID-19 CDC procedures will be followed. Immediate family will hold a private graveside service. A celebration of Doris's life and memorial service will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers during this time of pandemic, the family suggests contributions in Doris's memory to: CFS Meadville Area Food Pantry,1099 Morgan Village Road, Meadville, PA 16335, (814-337-8454), or to a food bank of your choice. Arrangements being handled by the Kenneth G. Merritt Funeral Home & Crematory, (in Hatheway-Tedesco F H) 614 Baldwin Street, Meadville, PA 16335. Please sign the guest registry at hatheway-tedesco.com.