Frances Ellen "Frankie" Tanner

Frances Ellen “Frankie” Tanner, 91, of Arcata, California, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, in Santa Cruz. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Frankie will be remembered for her radiant smile, warm heart, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.

Born on October 31, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Orson Lawrence and Katheryn Ann Nauser, Frankie grew up surrounded by a close-knit family. She was the sister of James Nauser, Mark Nauser, and the late Margaret “Peggy” Drake and Orson Lawrence “Larry” Nauser Jr. On January 28, 1962, Frankie married the love of her life, Dr. William Randolph Tanner, professor of history at Humboldt State University. Together, they shared decades of laughter, travel, and devotion until his passing in June 2000. A few included trips to Ireland, Jamaica and Mexico with good friends and later her trip to Croatia to visit her ancestral land. Frankie began her career with United Airlines, where one of her most cherished responsibilities was managing travel for the Kansas City Chiefs. After relocating to California in 1970, she established University Travel, which thrived for decades under her leadership until it closed in the early 2000s. Frankie lovingly served her community and assured her clients a customized journey whether near or far or for business or pleasure. She frequently spent many hours late at night, going back to her office to redo itineraries or rescheduling tickets to those stranded in airports. Frances was all about customer service to the traveler. One of Frankie’s favorite outings was her weekly visit to the Plaza to attend the Arcata’s Farmers Market where she enjoyed the local harvest as well as greeting lifelong friends. In 2013, she moved to Boulder Creek to live with her beloved son, Timothy Randolph Tanner, his wife, Tho Banh Tanner, and their children, Kimberly Thien Tanner and Randolph William Tanner. There, she enjoyed the love of her family, especially her grandchildren, who she happily escorted to school as they grew. Frankie was active in her community as a member of the Catholic Church and the Rotary Club. She volunteered with many organizations in Arcata and served as a Redwoods Ombudsman, a member of Mad River Community Hospital Board and Humboldt State University Advisory Board. Frankie adored jazz music, traveling, and cheering for her Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family and friends, always bringing warmth, humor, and kindness wherever she went.

A Celebration of Life memorial will be held on February 21, 2026, at Scopazzi’s Restaurant in Boulder Creek, California. Frances Ellen Tanner was a great lady—a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. A successful businesswoman and a fun-loving soul, she was always there for anyone in need and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.