Obituary of Toni Rae Thomas

Toni Rae (Martin) Thomas, 68, of Puyallup, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024, after a brief illness.

Toni was born on September 1, 1955, in Ashland, Oregon, to Gerald and Norma Martin.

After graduating from Auburn High School in 1973, she married husband Steven on July 15, 1978. They enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage of over 45 years.

Toni was dedicated to caring for those around her throughout her life. After over a decade as a clerk at Pay and Save, she found her calling as a school bus driver and driver trainer for the Auburn School District.

Toni was immensely proud of her job safely driving thousands of children in the community during her 20+ years of service. She truly cherished her role and the many fulfilling friendships she formed there.

The eldest of five siblings, Toni loved taking on the responsibility of planning, cooking, and baking for our many family gatherings. She enjoyed vacationing along the Oregon coast, playing card and dice games, and spending time with her family and friends.

Toni was a tough woman. Though her final years had been marked by much undeserved suffering, she maintained her pride and dignity until the very end. We are thankful that she is finally at peace now.

We love you, Toni, and we’ll miss you always.

Toni is survived by husband Steven Thomas; daughter Alyssa (Kyle) Bentzoni and granddaughters Alexis and Aubree; son Jeremy (Emma) Thomas; sisters Shawn Martin, Kerri Martin, and Paula Martin Holmberg; brother Joel (Lynn) Martin; and several nieces, nephews, and grandnephews.

She was preceded in death by parents Gerald and Norma Martin.