BRENDA RAE TANNER

Brenda Rae Tanner, 71, of Peculiar, Missouri, passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on May 27, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., 612 W. Foxwood Dr., Raymore, Missouri 64083. Visitation will be from 10-11:00 a.m. followed by the services at 11:00 a.m.

Brenda was born on January 5, 1955, in Parsons, Kansas, to Roy and Lorraine McNeely. Brenda’s life was rooted deeply in her faith, her family, and the joy she found in loving others well. She was a devoted wife to Vernon E. Tanner and a loving mother to her daughters, Brandy Birdsell (Jeff) and Jenny Collier (Josh). She was also a cherished stepmother to Jim Tanner (Jennifer), Julie Cantrell (John), and Jeff Tanner (Clara).

Nothing brought Brenda more joy than her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Savannah (Noah), Vanessa, Danielle, Bronson, Jake (Toni), Jaymee (Brennan), Mark, Joe, and Jackie, and a treasured great-grandmother to five great-grandchildren whom she adored deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Lorraine McNeely, and her brother, James McNeely.

Brenda had a gift for creating beauty and making people feel loved. She was known by family and friends as the ultimate hostess and party planner. Every gathering she hosted was thoughtful, meticulous, beautiful, and filled with warmth - her way of blessing the people she loved. Whether it was a holiday celebration, family dinner, or simple visit on the porch, Brenda made everyone feel welcome and cared for.

Some of her happiest moments were the quiet ones: sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee, tending to her flowers and garden, watching hummingbirds flutter nearby, and loving on her puppy. Purple was her favorite color, and much like the flowers she loved so dearly, Brenda brought beauty, gentleness, and joy wherever she went.

Above all else, Brenda loved God wholeheartedly. Her faith guided the way she cared for others, loved her family, and lived her life with grace and generosity. The legacy she leaves behind is one of love, faith, hospitality, and unwavering devotion to family.

Though her family’s hearts are broken, they find comfort in knowing she is healed, whole, and at peace in Heaven.

“Her children arise and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278