On July 25, 2024, Mary Rea, the last of the three Tanner sisters (Ardene Purdy and Joyce Cunha) passed away. In 1973, when their mother, Lola Tanner passed away, the three sisters formed the Tanner Ranch partnership to continue with the family ranch operations.
In 1870, William Martin Tanner located near Soldier Bridge along the Susan River about half way between present day Standish and. Litchfield. In 1882, he sold 40 acres to Andrew Litch which would be the future site of Litchfield. Tanner died unexpectedly in 1890 leaving behind his wife Jane and four small children-Maude, William, John and Charley. The three brothers would eventually homestead property on their own in the Standish District. In 1927, John married Lola Murrer. The following year the Capezolli family offered to trade ranches with John and Lola and that they did.
Over the years, John and Lola purchased neighboring homesteads-Whitehead, Stampfli and Hartson. In 1945, when John passed away the ranch consisted of some 1550 acres which has not changed over the years. The only major change occurred was also in the 1940s. The Tanners had new neighbors with the establishment of State Wildlife Honey Lake Refuge.The Fleming Unit borders the east side of Tanner Ranch, while the Dakin Unit on the west side.
The heirs of Tanner Ranch will in do time place the property for sale and end of era for the family spanning 150 plus years in the Honey Lake Valley in the agricultural community.
Tim