Illa- Beth Toney

She was born on August 21, 1929 in Plentywood, Montana to Clarice and Kenneth Aslakson. She married Harold Emerson (Em) Toney on December 8, 1956 in Rockledge, Florida. They lived in Florida for a number of years before moving to Kansas and then ultimately settling down in Littleton, Colorado in 1963.

Illa was a wonderful homemaker. She also worked a number of jobs over the years, including an ‘Avon Lady’ in the 1970’s. She loved her Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties) and then her cats later in life. Illa was a proud Norwegian and member of the local chapter of the Sons of Norway. She fondly remembered fulfilling one of her lifelong dreams when she vacationed in and around Norway on a cruise with her good friend Nancy Kenry. Norwegian Rosemaling was her favorite hobby; she painted many treasured pieces over the years, including wooden chests, plates and other unique items. She was a long term member of the Red Hat Society, and a huge fan of both the Denver Broncos and Neil Diamond.

Illa’s long life enriched many others along the way and she will be greatly missed. Her husband Em of 46 years passed away in 2003. She is survived by her two children, Frank Toney (Cheri Schmeltzer) and Kari-Beth Toney, along with cousins, nephews and a niece in Oregon, Minnesota and Florida.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on August 23, 2025 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 6322 S. Lakeview St., Littleton, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Humane Colorado (formerly the Denver Dumb Friends League).