Roma Joan Crawford Tanner passed away peacefully at home, November 26, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Joan was born June 1, 1930 in Ogden, Utah to Darrell Crawford and Roma Parkinson Crawford. Joan married Dr. Henry M. Tanner in Salt Lake City, August 1, 1981.
Joan graduated in 1950 with honors from Weber Junior College in Business. She worked as a Purchasing Agent for the Utah General Depot in Ogden and later as a Mountain Bell Service Representative in Salt Lake City.
Over the years Joan has been actively involved with family, church, and community responsibilities. She taught pre-school at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba while her first husband (div.), the late Dr. Jack A. Madsen was stationed there for two years. She was president of and active in various medical wives organizations. Joan also served in numerous church positions, mainly in the Relief Society and Primary organizations. She actively supported the PTA as president and in other positions. Joan was a member and past President of the Ladies Literary Club.
Her service as President of the Utah Associated Garden Clubs and chair for the Salt Lake Tribune Spring Home and Garden Show at the Salt Palace reflected her love of flowers and gardening. She supported the Civic Beautification Program, judging gardens all over the state. The Salt Lake Tribune honored her for outstanding service to the Festival and Community. They also presented her with the Silver Garden Spade Award for consistent and continuous dedication to elevating the professional stature of gardening. She also served as President and Treasurer of the Flora Culture Garden Club.
In 1986 Joan helped her late husband, Dr. Henry M. Tanner, open and manage his own practice, specializing in TMJ and restorations. She accompanied and assisted him as he traveled extensively, teaching and lecturing. He taught in Japan, England, Sweden, Denmark, Hawaii, and all over the continental United States.
However, her greatest joy was her family. She loved spending time with family and friends.
She is survived by her children: daughters, Cynthia Sedgwick (Joel), Michele Hart (David), Camille Allred (Clint), and her son, Brian J. Madsen (Beth) of Boston, MA. She was also the adopted mother of Lisseth Madsen- Turner (Glen) and the late Dr. Henry M. Tanner's daughters, Linda Beach (Stephen), Marie Boyer (Randy), Sally Scott (Welby), and his late son, Dr. Henry S. Tanner "Smitty" (Dely). Additionally, she was the beloved grandmother 35 wonderful grandchildren and great-grandmother of 75 amazing great-grandchildren!
Preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Henry M. Tanner, her parents, Darrell and Roma H. Parkinson Crawford, her older brother, Ralph P. Crawford, and her twin brother, D. Boyd Crawford.
A viewing will be held Thursday, December13th from 6 ‚ 8:00 p.m. at the Holladay 25th Ward Chapel, 4650 Naniloa Drive. On Friday, December 14, another viewing will be held at the same location from11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. The graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. with interment to follow at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Please send donations to Red Butte Gardens.
