Judith Tanner

Judith Berry Tanner, 93 of Baldwin City, KS, passed away December 24, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Judith was born December 19, 1932, in Birmingham, AL, the daughter of Homer Cruse and Edna Elsie (Lewis) Berry. She graduated with a teaching degree from Birmingham Southern College and taught in the Birmingham Public Schools for several years before leaving to raise a family. Judith loved to sing from a very young age and met Ralph M. Tanner while serving as the soprano soloist in a combined choir performance of Handel’s Messiah. They were married on August 27, 1960, in Birmingham, AL, and celebrated 56 years of marriage before he preceded her in death.

In addition to a love of singing, Judith was a woman of service and a gracious hostess. She remained connected to her love of education as an avid volunteer, active parent, and was an elected member of the Baldwin City, Kansas School Board. Through Ralph’s tenure as college president at Birmingham Southern College and Baker University, she wore the title of First Lady well, hosting many events and establishing community among the faculty and staff. When Ralph was elected to the Kansas Legislature, she supported him in Topeka and was involved in the Legislative Wives group. She was a member of Baldwin First United Methodist Church and was an active member of the choir and United Methodist Women. Judith never met a club she didn’t join. She was often called on to present lessons and programs at Home Demonstration Club, Nena Literary Club, Tuesday Reading Club, host Leisure Hour, and serve in leadership roles in local chapters of PEO and American Association of University Women (AAUW.)

Judith’s motto was “Family is Important.” She is survived by her children; Clay Tanner, Susanne (Mark) Smith, Caroline Tanner; four grandchildren, Mark (Taylor) Smith, Emily (Darren) Anno, Olivia (Branden Culpepper and his daughter Bella) Smith, Hannah (Stephen Zenishek) Smith; and four great-grandchildren, Sarah Jane Smith, Wyatt Smith, Molly Smith, and Miley Anno. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also remain in her close circle of family. They will remember her as a loving and giving role model who was a great cook and had a wonderful sense of humor. She could host a great Tea Party and valued a timely written thank you note.

Judith was also preceded in death by her parents, and beloved sister, Martha McLemore.

The family wishes to thank Ascend Hospice for their care and support in her final weeks, allowing her to stay in her home, comfortable and surrounded by loved ones. Memorial contributions in Judith’s name may be made to Baldwin First United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044.

Services will be announced at a later date.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.