Carma Tonkinson

Carma Lee Tonkinson, 76, died at 5:05 p.m. Thursday, October 1, 2009 at St. Clare's Hospital in Alton. Born October 5, 1932 in Wood River, she was the daughter of William Chester and Ruby Gladys (Moore) Kutter. She taught Sunday school at the Godfrey Methodist Church where she was known as "Grandma Tonkie." She was a hospice volunteer at St. Anthony's Health Center for 10 years and served as President of the hospice for two years. She worked for Owens Illinois for 32 years and was most recently a greeter at Wal-Mart for the past 14 years. She attended Abundant Life Church and enjoyed reading and traveling.
Carma married Robert Lee Stone on October 13, 1949. They divorced in 1956. He preceded her in death on June 1, 1984. On June 7, 1958 in East Alton, she married Ralph Lester Tonkinson. They were married for 48 years. He preceded her in death on March 19, 2006. On February 8, 2007, Carma was united to Portier Stevens, of Jerseyville, in a civil marriage ceremony.
Surviving is a daughter, Linda Lee Joyce and her favorite son-in-law Roger Joyce of Godfrey, grandsons; Aaron Joyce and his wife Ellen Joyce of Alton, and Adam Joyce and his girlfriend Juliana Reams of Alton, a niece, nephews, and many friends.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, and her only sister, Doris Jean Schilling.
Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday. Pastor Justin Henning will officiate. Carma will be buried on her 77th birthday at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. Memorials may be made to the 5A's Animal Shelter.
Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.

Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home