FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Lois Tarkanian, the wife of former UNLV and Fresno State Basketball Coach Jerry Tarkanian has passed, according to the Nevada System of Higher Education on Monday. Dr. Lois Tarkanian was the wife of former UNLV and Fresno State Basketball Coach Jerry Tarkanian. She married Jerry Tarkanian in Fresno in 1955. Jerry died in 2015. The Nevada System of Higher Education is honored to have benefited from her dedicated service as a member of the NSHE Board of Regents, where her leadership and commitment to higher education enriched the Silver State. While her family name is widely celebrated for its connection to UNLV, Dr. Tarkanian’s legacy extends far beyond, leaving a lasting impact on education and shaping the futures of Nevada students for generations to come. Nevada System of Higher Education. Dr. Lois had roots in the Central Valley in Kerman. She was an educator and later served 14 years on the Las Vegas City Council. Dr. Lois died at 90 years old.