A truly vibrant and beautiful soul, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and precious friend to all who knew her passed away on May 13, 2021. Toni is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Don. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Benton and husband Walter, son John and wife Jane, and grandchildren Ashley Morgan and husband Brandon, Janelle Sterling, and Carter Benton. They were all #1 in her eyes. She always encouraged them to march to the beat of their own drum.
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "Woo Hoo - What a Ride!" And what a ride it was for Toni!
Born in Chicago to loving parents, Mary and Joseph, Toni called Dallas and the mountains of Utah home. She loved her family and friends fiercely and unconditionally. To be loved by her was a true blessing. Her vibrant personality and zest for life left a lasting impression on all of those lucky to be in her presence. She will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, humor, and her ability to always leave a person, even a stranger, feeling loved and with a big smile on their face. She made it her mission to make everyone feel welcome, important, and loved. Getting a card or letter from Toni was like getting a huge hug. The beautiful words she wrote always brought love, comfort, and positive encouragement to all who were blessed to receive them.
Toni was an avid reader who loved cooking, entertaining, gardening, traveling, volunteering, hiking, the ocean, the mountains, the singing of the birds, and the "sounds of the city." One of the many highlights and honors of her life was when Ashley and Brandon asked her to officiate their wedding. She became an ordained minister and married them in a beautiful ceremony on December 7, 2019. She wrote the ceremony in true "Ma Toni" fashion. It was full of love, spirit, and humor. Everyone said she was a true natural and could have made a career out of performing weddings. If there was one thing she hated it was missing out on a good time. With her boundless energy, she loved to entertain. The Italian in her loved to feed friends and family. She hosted amazing, fun parties for large groups of people with utter joy and ease, preparing everything herself with help from Don. On her front door, she would post the following sign:
PARTY RULES: You Can Never, Come Too Early, Stay Too Late, Sing Too Loud, Laugh Too Much, Come Back Too Often
Oh the wonderful parties she is throwing in Heaven!
Toni was so brave, strong, and positive during her 10 year battle with cancer. It was only since January that her illness became very difficult. The family would like to thank all the wonderful doctors and nurses who loved and cared for her as if she was their own. It was Toni's wish to be cremated. A HAPPY Celebration of Life will be held in the near future. Given her FOMO (fear of missing out), you can bet she will be there with us for the fun!
Rest in peace beautiful Toni in the arms of God and Don until we see you again in Heaven. We miss you terribly. You will live on in our hearts forever.
Donations to honor Toni's life may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to help fight breast cancer.
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