Dorothy Marie Toner, affectionately known as Dottie, of Pagosa Springs, joined her cowboy and lifelong partner, Ed Toner, in heaven on Jan. 18. She was 84. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 28 at the Community United Methodist Church, 434 Lewis St., Pagosa Springs.
Dorothy was born Oct. 8, 1932, to Lester and Bethel Marie Short in Tulsa, Okla. Her dad was a pharmacist for Walgreen’s and was transferred to various places throughout her childhood. A majority of her life was spent in Amarillo, Texas, and Denver, where she graduated from East High School. She went on to attend college at Colorado A&M (Colorado State University) where she met the love of her life, Ed Toner. Ed and Dorothy both graduated and started their life of world travels and adventures together. Ed was in the Air Force for 24 years. Dorothy’s childhood had prepared her for a life of traveling and Ed provided it. Upon Ed’s retirement from the Air Force, Ed and Dorothy came back to the Upper Piedra.
Dorothy’s passion and dedication was to her husband, family, friends and community. After raising her three children, she had a big hand in raising grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom loved her and will miss her very much. Her loving generosity was expressed through serving the church, her dedication to the causes of women and children around the world, extensive other volunteering and being a bright spot in everyone’s lives. Her hospitality was unlimited, for she knew no strangers. All were welcome and greeted with her smile, love and acceptance. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, where she served on many committees, president of the United Methodist Women local chapter, and district president of the southwest district. She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, Homemakers, Eastern Star and the Delta Zeta Sorority.
She is survived by her three children: Rodney Toner (Marquise), of Victorville, Calif., Glen Toner (Linda), of Buckeye, Ariz., and Cynthia Toner, of the Upper Piedra, Pagosa Springs. Dorothy had eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Dorothy is also survived by her sister, Sandy Ellis (Vern), of Torrington, Wyo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community United Methodist Food Bank of Pagosa Springs.
