Tonya Marilyn Barber Bigler

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Tonya Marilyn Barber Bigler, 62, of Oak Grove, Mo., passed away Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009 at her residence.

Tonya was born Jan. 29, 1947 in Lawrence, Kan., daughter of Cecil W. and Mildred G. Noble Barber. She was reared in southern Missouri, having graduated from high school in Hume. At 18, she moved to San Diego, Calif., where she met Larry. The couple were united in marriage on March 26, 1966 in Los Angeles, Calif. Within a few years, they moved to Klamath Falls, Ore. In 1975, they relocated to Independence, Mo. In 1979, the couple moved to Oak Grove. While there, Tonya drove a school bus for the Oak Grove School District for 28 years, and also obtained her college degree from the National American University. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a great love and appreciation for nature and animals. Besides being an avid seamstress, she also enjoyed photography, art and traveling across this great country.

Survivors include her husband, Larry of the home; seven children: Jonathan Bigler of Farmington, Mo., Geneva Feland and her husband, Brent of Spanish Fork, Utah, Mardith Bigler of Las Vegas, Nev., Damon Bigler of Bonne Terre, Mo.; Benjamin Bigler of Oak Grove, Janna Pendlebury and her husband, David of Payson, Utah, and Joshua Bigler of Oak Grove; three sisters, Gene Murray of Richards, Mo., Monya Cantwell and her husband, Jerry of Rich Hill, Mo., and Sonya Foskett of Independence; three brothers, Clement Barber and his wife, Georgiana of Blackfoot, Idaho, Calvin Barber of Springfield, Mo., and Clifford Barber of Kansas City; 15 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Tonya was preceded in death by both parents; a sister, Nina Burnside and an infant brother.

Funeral Services: will be 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 7, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Odessa Chapel, located at 300 Crestview Drive with Bishop Boswell officiating. Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9 to 10:30 a.m., Monday at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Tonya M. Bigler Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden, Mo. Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net.