Douglas Ann Tankersley

Douglas "Ann" Tankersley, age 92, of Owatonna, Minnesota, passed away on June 1, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Home - The Woodlands in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Ann was born on October 28, 1933, in Throckmorton, Texas, to Douglas Harrison and Mary Rives Harrison. She lived a long and meaningful life, touching the lives of family, friends, and all who knew her.

Ann earned a degree in Music from the University of North Texas and dedicated her professional life to education and music. She moved to Scottsdale, Arizona in the early 1960s and served as a music teacher in the Paradise Valley Unified School District in Phoenix, Arizona, for nearly 30 years, inspiring countless students through her love of music and learning. She retired in 1992 after a distinguished career devoted to enriching the lives of young people.

A gifted musician, Ann was especially talented as a pianist and vocalist. Music was both her profession and her passion, and she shared that gift generously with her students, family, and friends throughout her life. Beyond her accomplishments as an educator and musician, Ann will be remembered for her sharp sense of humor and trademark sass that brought laughter and joy to those around her. Her warmth, wit, and lively personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her children, Melody (Tankersley) Contos of Irving, Texas; Mary (Tankersley) Tromp of Loveland, Colorado; Michael Tankersley (Becky) of Owatonna, Minnesota; and Ann (Anderson) Parsons (Pete) of Henderson, Nevada. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Thalia (Simon) Burd, Oliver (Amanda) Tromp, Jordan (Zach) Olson, John (Paige) Contos, Katie (Michael) Eells, Jennifer Parsons, and Peter (Carla) Parsons; and her great-grandchildren, Zuzu Burd; Joelle, Tatum, and Kennedy Olson; Emilia and Audrey Eells; Sunny Parsons; Arabella Catherine, daughter of Catherine Contos; and Athena, Phoenix, Piper, and John Contos Jr., children of John Contos.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas Harrison and Mary Rives Harrison; her siblings, Janet Kolb and Clifton S. Harrison; and her granddaughter, Catherine Contos.

Ann will be remembered for her dedication to education, her love of music, her strength, and her support of her family. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, former students, and all those whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

A private family remembrance will be held at a later date.

Ann will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who loved her.