Geraldine ""Jerri"" Toner

Geraldine ""Jerri"" Toner, 83, passed away peacefully in the home on April 5, 2016 in Aurora, Colorado surrounded by her family. She was born September 9, 1932 in Vale, South Dakota to Gerald and Amelia Wetz. ""Deana"", as she was lovingly referred to by her 7 brothers and sisters, grew up on a ranch outside Sturgis. As the legend goes, she and her brother spent their summers out on the prairie tending to their sheep, sleeping under the stars in a sheep wagon, passing their time shooting rattle snakes. She graduated from Lead High School in 1951 and obtained her teaching certificate soon thereafter. Deana taught in a one-room school house just as her siblings had done before her. In 1958, Jerri went on one date with USAF sergeant Chuck Toner who was on leave in South Dakota. Six months later, she received a ring and a proposal in the mail and soon was off to start a new life with him in Hawaii. Thus began a marriage of love that lasted over 57 years. Jerri and Chuck traveled the world including a memorable assignment in Chile, South America with their three children: Chuck, Annie and Lisa. They settled in Aurora, Colorado in 1969 where Jerri spent her time managing the home and the lives of her family. Jerri was an avid and successful angler. She was happiest when she was snagging a trout from a local lake, and her family is certain that fish still tremble at the mention of her name. Jerri and Chuck would take frequent trips in their camper around Colorado. His job was to set up camp; hers was to catch dinner. They were often joined by their children, grandchildren and many close friends. Jerri maintained an immaculate home but the vacuum was her nemesis. She loved to sew, bake, iron and enjoyed watching Days of Our Lives, Ellen and Wheel of Fortune. Her projects were impressive in their detail. She loved crafting with her friend, Carole, making gifts for friends and family. In the early 80's, Jerri shared her love of language, working as a teacher of adult English language learners for the Aurora Public Schools. She was a voracious reader and loved challenging board and card games. Jerri was always looking for a worthy Scrabble opponent. She was a master of the morning Word Jumble. Above all, Jerri loved her family, particularly her 7 grandchildren and enjoyed spending time together. Jerri is survived by her husband, Charles E. Toner; children, Charles B. (Cecile) Toner; Andrea (Kent) Noland; Lisa (Monte Pickett) Toner; grandchildren, Rachel, Brett, Julia, Camille, Alex, Quentin and Lia; siblings, Harold, Helen, James and Darrell. Jerri is preceded in death by siblings Julia, Dorothy and Gerald. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 10th, 10:00 am, at the Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 South Colorado Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80246. Following are a few of the family's favorite charities where donations can be made in memory of Jerri Toner. Halcyon Hospice PO Box 177 Meade, Colorado 80542 www.myhalcyon.org MaxFund Animal Shelter 720 West 10th Avenue Denver, CO 80204 www.maxfund.org Fund teacher projects at: Donors Choose www.Donorschoose.org