Ann L. Tanner

Ann Laverne (Gastemire) Tanner, age 90, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2023.

She was born on January 2, 1933 in Russell Township in Geauga County on the farm where she and husband Alan built their retirement home in 2000. She graduated from Russell High School in 1950, where she was also the class president.

Ann worked at New York Central Railroad in Cleveland prior to her marriage, and was employed by The Ohio State University while her husband attended optometry school. She took college courses as her children finished high school and received her associates degree in business from Lakeland Community College. She worked for Breckenridge Village as a bookkeeper while also supporting her husband's optometry practice.

While raising their family in Willoughby, she was committed to enthusiastically supporting the family in all of their sports, arts, scouting and school activities as the volunteer extraordinaire.

She was an active member of Willoughby United Methodist Church, Eastern Star (Past Worthy Matron), League of Women Voters, Willoughby Junior Women’s Club and more. More recently she was involved with the Russell Township Historical Society (treasurer) and the Geauga County Senior Center.

As a long-time sports fan, she could always be counted on to support the Cleveland Browns, Indians and Cavaliers. She was also an avid bridge player.

Ann is survived by daughter, Cathi (Rob) Wineland of Indianapolis, IN, daughter, Amy (Mark) Miller of Macungie, PA, and son, David (Leslie) Tanner of Marengo, OH, grandchildren, Abbie and Allie Wineland; Ellie Briggs; Andrew and Marissa Tanner; Travis, Justin (Julia) and Braedon Young, great-granddaughter, Olivia Young and many nieces and nephews.

Ann was preceded in death by husband, Alan L. Tanner, O.D., parents, Carl and Hazel (Rowe) Gastemire, and sisters, Dorothy, Marian and Norma.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205 or UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, 11101 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 4, 2023, with visitation from 10-11 AM, at Willoughby United Methodist Church, 15 Public Square, Willoughby.

Ann will be laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery in Russell Township immediately following.