Arles Irene Tanner, 78

With hearts full of love and cherished memories, we announce the passing of Arles Tanner, who left this world Feb. 7, 2025, at the age of 78, surrounded by her beloved family. Arles was a woman of strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion.

Born on Sept. 17, 1946, in Hazen, N.D., to Samuel and Irene Kunz, Arles’ journey began with a special connection — sharing a birthday with her mother. At just 6 months old, her family moved to Rathdrum, Idaho, and later relocated to Spirt Lake, where she grew up. In a poignant twist of fate, she passed on the same day as her father, forever linking their journeys together.

Arles met Clyde Tanner in the late '60s and dated for a short period of time before they married May 24, 1969. In 1974, they moved into the house they had built in Rathdrum, Idaho, where they raised their children and spent the next 51 years. Their home was a place of gatherings, holidays, birthdays and family get-togethers. So many wonderful memories were created in their home. Ones that will never be forgotten.

Arles and Clyde renewed their vows on their 25th wedding anniversary in their beautiful backyard with their family surrounding them.

Arles had a strong work ethic and took great pride in her career. She spent over a decade as a sawyer at Tucker’s Box Factory in Hayden before embarking on a 20-year career as a production operator at Hewlett-Packard in Liberty Lake. Her time there came to an end when the company relocated.

Arles found joy in traveling throughout the United States and Canada, collecting treasured moments along the way. She loved soaking in Canadian hot springs, searching for seashells along the Oregon Coast, digging for oysters with her sister Alice, experiencing the Las Vegas strip, standing in awe at the Grand Canyon, wandering through Civil War cemeteries in Kentucky, and embracing the music of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Arles attended every single sporting event, music concert, and graduation of her grandchildren, no matter how far she had to travel, she was there. 

Arles was a woman of many talents and hobbies. She first expressed her creativity through oil painting and later became an accomplished crocheter, making beautiful rugs for her family. She was also known for her incredible pies — the secret was in the crust — and her huckleberry pie was a family favorite. A lover of the outdoors, she could often be found tending to her flower beds, picking huckleberries with Clyde, or camping with her family. Some of her most cherished memories were made during summer camping trips at Round Lake with her six grandchildren, where they spent their days hiking, fishing, and telling ghost stories by the fire.

Animals held a special place in Arles’ heart. Over the years, she welcomed countless stray animals into her home, ensuring they had a place to be loved and cared for.    

Above all, Arles was the heart of her family — their rock and their greatest source of comfort. Her unconditional love and unwavering support will be forever cherished by those who received it. She will be forever appreciated, loved and missed.

Arles is survived by her daughters, Mellisa (Kenny) Boler, Terrina (Juan) Garcia and Tami (Jeff) Chambers; grandchildren: Thomas (Melissa) Opland, Sen Tanner (Paul Blanton), Tyler Boler, Anthony (Heather) Johnson, Jaron Tanner (Tiffany McQuiston), Kaylie Boler (Mike Thompson); great-grandchildren Jenna, Taylor, Cashton, Brooks, Nova and Marlow; several bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings Reuben Kunz, Eddie Schaefer, Jeanette Blood, Marvin Kunz, Marles Stevens, Cindy Thorp, Terrie Carpenter and Raylene Smith.       

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clyde; her parents, Samuel and Irene; granddaughter Bethany; brothers Wally, Elmer, Ray and Larry; and sisters Alice, Sally and Debbie.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at Yates Funeral Home, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, ID 83835. There will not be a graveside service at this time. Family and friends are invited to come together to share memories, offer support, and celebrate the remarkable life of Arles Tanner.

In honor of Arles’ deep love for animals, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to the Companion Animal Center (formerly known as the Kootenai Humane Society) at 10275 N. Atlas Road, Hayden, ID 83835.

Arles will remain in our hearts forever. We are going to miss you, Mom (Grandma). Life will never be the same without you. We love you, Mom (Grandma).

Please visit Arles’ online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.