Jane P Tanner

Jane Penington Tanner was born in Antlers, Oklahoma on January 8, 1943 to Harvey and Bessie Penington and went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 9, 2023. She graduated from Antlers High School in 1961 and then received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Oklahoma. Jane worked her entire career for the State of Oklahoma, retiring after the birth of her first grandchild in 1995 so that she could be home to keep him.

Almost all of her life, Jane faced significant health challenges. Every year was a gift from Jesus and she spent her days in devoted service to Him. Jane was one of the founding members of Antlers Bible Church, and most recently, a member of Metropolitan Bible Church where she served on the Missions Committee. She knew nothing was more important than spreading the gospel and continuously prayed for the salvation of all who are lost.

Jane Tanner loved her family wholly and unconditionally. She considered her only son, Kirk, to be her greatest accomplishment. Jane always looked forward to spending time with him and just talking on the phone when geography made that impossible. Kirk’s children were so special to Jane. She bragged on each of them to anyone within earshot! An avid scrapbooker, Jane documented their most precious moments in creative detail.

Most would describe Jane as a reserved, proper lady with impeccable fashion sense and she certainly was all of those things. However, sports revealed her feisty and competitive side. A diehard Sooner, Jane never missed watching an OU football game and loved for her grandsons to join her. She could also name every past and present Thunder player and all of their statistics. Jane enjoyed life with a group of “classy ladies,” who shared her values and interests. Weekly bible studies, monthly dinners, and holiday festivities will not be the same without her. 

Jane Penington Tanner is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Rod. She is survived by her son Kirk (Sandra); grandchildren Connor, Cameron (Jessica), and Ashlyn Burgess; cousins John Farr McCain and Sue Farr Hardy; bonus son, Greg (Kelly) Otis