Arliss Ann Tonyan

Arliss AnnTonyan was born in Baudette, Minnesota on August 29, 1930 and died on July 14, 2019 in Apple Valley, California. Arliss and her husband Bill raised eight children and have 18 grandchildren. She was raised in the middle of beautiful Lake of the Woods in Minnesota.

In 1969 Bill & Arliss sold their home in Albany, Minnesota and took to the road with all 10 family members in a Winnebago bus to pursue Bill’s dream of having a successful family band (like the Partridge Family TV show). Arliss forged on without a home to call her own until 1979 when the family finally settled and bought a home in Southern California. The family band retired from Knotts Berry Farm and the music business in 1986. Bill and Arliss then traveled the country selling small figurines that Arliss made by hand until settling down again in Mesa, Az. In 2006 they moved to Liesureworld in Seal Beach, Ca.

From 2006 to 2013 Arliss dedicated her life to caring for Bill who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. For the final 6 years of Bill’s life Bill and Arliss took up music again and performed at retirement centers. Bill played piano and Arliss sang.

Arliss Ann Tonyan, a devout Catholic, gave her life to her husband, her children, her friends and anyone in need. She never left time for herself or her needs. She was a very special person and will be missed by all.