Mildred Tanner - Whitaker

Millie Tanner-Whitaker, a tenacious and fierce force of creation, passed away at home on April 25, 2024, after a long battle with her menacing cancer. Daughter of the late Ford and Hortense Tanner of Roswell and sister to the late Linda Ridge of Albuquerque, Millie was born June 25, 1953, in Roswell, New Mexico. She attended Roswell High School and excelled in much. She won dozens of medals and was state gymnastics champion for three years, in multiple events. She was crowned Miss Roswell in 1971. Like her mother, Millie had a degree in teaching, however, her real passion was her love of cooking and entertaining. She operated “Millie’s Catered Specialties” for 20 years. No one entertained or catered like Millie. Her presentations were beautifully elegant and her food divine. Everyone loved a “Millie” event. Hospitality was in her blood. Millie had the fortunate pleasure of being able to experience many amazing journeys throughout her life. She married Jerry Whitaker in August 1975, and they had two sons Ryan and Jared. With a love for adventure, Millie and Jerry made memories on land, air, and sea! Sailing was a passion for them and with multiple transpacific trips aboard the wooden Schooner Destiny and decades of catching wind in their sails, the stories were abundant. Spending most of their summers in the San Juan Islands with their friends and family, Orca and wildlife encounters were a constant feature, carving memories in stone. Throughout her life, Millie had studied the Bible and became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Determined to serve Jehovah, she put her teaching degree and compassion for others to work, she was a wonderful bible teacher. Over the years she studied with many, helping them to learn bible truths. Her belief in the scriptures promising of a cleansed earth (Rev 21:4) without sickness, sorrow and pain was something she looked forward to and will be able to see fulfilled one day soon. Millie is survived by her two children: Ryan Cozier-Whitaker of Virginia, and Jared Whitaker of Arizona; grandchildren, Coulson and Peyton McCullough of California and Washington, and Jake and Jensen Whitaker of Arizona; and sisters-in-law: Lela Wright, of Hondo, New Mexico, and Sue Whitaker (Tommy) of Roswell, New Mexico; and several nieces and nephews. Millie’s tribute was lovingly written by her family. There will be a Memorial Service for Millie that will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 205 W Gayle, on June 1, 2024, at 11 AM. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Millie’s family at www.andersonbethany.com. Zoom Meeting Credentials: Meeting ID: 859 3119 3389 Passcode: 362679 Telephone connection. +1 346 248 7799 Meeting ID: 859 3119 3389# Press # again

Mildred Tanner - Whitaker

June 25, 1953 - April 25, 2024