Lela Tanner

Lela Arleen Tanner, age 90, passed away on February 6, 2014 in Houston, Texas. She was born in Kankakee, Illinois and moved to Harlingen, Texas in 1951. She lived in Harlingen until 2010 when she moved to Houston to be closer to family.Lela began working in retail sales in high school in Illinois. She worked for 25 years at Schvab’s Jewelry in Harlingen. She was active in the Business and Professional Women’s Club where she served as local President, District Director and State Board Member. Later in life she worked as a Tupperware distributor. She also served for a few years as the Corresponding Secretary at the Harlingen Cultural Arts Center. Lela was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Harlingen until she moved to Houston.Lela was preceded in death by her brother Alvin Tanner and her sister Verna Hougland. She is survived by her son David Tanner and his wife Mona, and grandchildren Dana Tanner-Kennedy and her husband David Kennedy, and Russell Tanner. She spent the last years of her life well cared for by her family, her home care provider in Harlingen, Yolanda Peña, and the staff of Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services in Houston.A graveside service was held on Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. at Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet, Houston, 77074. Rabbi Roy A. Walter officiated.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services (www.sevenacres.org).