Vonda Lee Tanner

Vonda Lee Evans Tanner, 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Paul, Idaho on Sunday, November 9, 2025 after an extensive battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 28, 1940 in Burley, Idaho to Richard “Dick” and Nola Phillips Evans. She was their first and only child for 10 years, until her brother Clint was born. She loved him and always talked about how he was such a sweet little boy. Then when she was 14, her little sister, Dixie, joined the family. Vonda was married at the age of 18, so Dixie doesn’t remember much about living in the same home as Vonda. However, when they got older they went on some fun and memorable vacations together.

Vonda grew up in Heyburn. She spent much of her childhood making her own fun by playing with her dolls and animals. She even enjoyed dressing the kittens up in doll clothes and pushing them around in the stroller. She graduated from Minico High School in 1958. Vonda lived in Burley, Willow Creek, and Gooding during her early married life. She later moved back to Heyburn for several years and finally made her home in Paul, Idaho, where she lived with her loving husband, Arlyn Tanner. They were married for 46 years.

She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she faithfully served in many callings over the years. She especially cherished her time as a Primary teacher, Young Women leader, and Camp Director—her favorite calling of all. She loved the temple and was happy to be sealed to Arlyn on May 19, 1979 in the Idaho Falls temple. Later in life she made a hobby of family history and was always telling her children and grandchildren about their forebears and sharing stories and pictures of their ancestors too.

Vonda was endlessly creative. She loved cake decorating, sewing, and all kinds of crafts. She loved decorating her home and always had a project happening in the house or the yard. She always had beautiful gardens wherever she lived. Vonda sang regardless of her location! She sang in the house, she sang in the yard, she even sang in the store sometimes. From her high school choir days to her time singing with the Sweet Adelines, music was always part of her life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Nola Evans, her daughter Bonnie Morrow, and her grandson Dusty Edwards.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Arlyn Tanner of Paul, ID; her daughters Bobbie (Jay) Edwards of Bellevue, ID; Monica (Bruce) Thacker of Jerome, ID; and Miranda (Jason) Roberts of Perry, UT; her stepdaughter Deanna (Bob) Okun of McLean, VA; her brother Clint (Ann) Evans of Heyburn, ID; and her sister Dixie (Terry) Browning of Rupert, ID. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, 16 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved very much.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the wonderful ladies from hospice—Vonda dearly loved each of you—and to the Paul 2nd Ward Relief Society for their countless hours of kindness, service, and love.

A viewing will be held Friday, November 14, 2025 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Hansen Mortuary in Rupert, Idaho. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing prior at 10:00 at the Paul Stake Center located at 424 W. Ellis St.