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Leigh Tonkinson Obituary

Tonkinson, Leigh Ann
Leigh Ann Tonkinson, 35 of Gilbert, passed away on March 6, 2010 as an innocent victim of an automobile accident. Leigh was born in Mesa, AZ on Feb. 5, 1975 to Larry and Peggy Marten. There aren't enough words to tell how sincerely good she was to her husband, children, family, friends, and co-workers. Leigh Ann was a carbon copy of the Proverbs 31 woman. She loved Jesus Christ and through that love was able to love others in a way that will be so deeply missed. Leigh Ann was a graduate of Marcos De Niza ('93) and ASU ('98). She worked as a Nursing Supervisor at Phoenix Children's Hospital and was nominated as Nurse of the Year in 2008. But her biggest joy came from being a wife and mother. We miss you so much Leigh. Much more than our hearts can take. We may never understand why, but we hold close the truth that God is good. Leigh Ann ran the race so well and now she is enjoying Heaven. We all cannot wait to see you again. We love you. Leigh Ann is survived by her husband Greg; sons Caden, and Bailey; daughter Malia; brother Lance (Robin) Marten; and sister Reagan (Jaime) Guzman. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 11th from 6-8 pm at Falconer Funeral Home 251 W. Juniper Ave. Gilbert, AZ 85233. Funeral Services will be held on Friday March 12th at 10:00 am at The Grove Bible Church, 20105 S Gilbert Rd. Chandler, AZ 85286. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Falconer Funeral Home: www.FalconerFuneral Home.com. In lieu of flowers, we have established the "Leigh Ann Tonkinson Memorial Fund" for donations that can be made at any Wells Fargo location.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Mar. 10 to Mar. 12, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Leigh Tonkinson

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Kristen Hecht

April 1, 2010

Dear Greg and Tonkinson and Marten families -

I was stunned to hear of Leigh Ann's death and have been sending prayers of comfort and healing your way. I knew Leigh Ann in junior high and high school and we had recently re-connected on facebook. It brought me great joy to hear how well she had been doing and how much her life had blossomed because of you, her beloved family. I am so sorry for your immense loss.

Kristen Hecht

Dinesh Tummala

March 29, 2010

Dear Greg,

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

March 25, 2010

My sister was friends with Leigh Ann in high school and I was acquainted through them. I am sorry for your loss. Words cannot express my sorrow to her children. I hope that those close to her can keep her memory alive for her small children.

Tarina Wood, MDN '95, Tempe, AZ

Beth Etter

March 22, 2010

My sympathies to all of Leigh Ann's family. I was friends with Leigh Ann in junior high and high school and remember her fondly.

March 19, 2010

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. May God be with you and your children.
Ken & Sandra Dickman and Sabrina, Veronica, and Madelaine

Sue O'Toole Freiburger

March 19, 2010

Dear Greg,

I am so sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Charlie Rae

March 18, 2010

Dear Greg,

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Afra Nicholas

March 18, 2010

We send you many wishes, what a wonderful person! We went to school together. May the Lord bless you and your family now and bring you joy in her memories. You and the kids are in our prayers!

Andy Ponticelli

March 16, 2010

Dear Greg,
I am sorry to hear of your lose. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this trying time.

Kimberly Larsen Vetrano

March 16, 2010

I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Karen Geiger-Wolek

March 16, 2010

I am so sorry, Greg. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Paul Annetts

March 16, 2010

Greg, I am so sorry for you and your families loss. May the Great Spirit guide you through this difficult time.

Ronald & Jessica Satallante

March 16, 2010

Greg, it's Ronnie...May The Lord be with YOU, your children, and your family during this time! YOU and your family are in our prayers everyday! Love you Greg!!!

Christopher Lacey

March 15, 2010

Dear Greg- Words can't express the sorrow I feel for you and your family. May your faith, family and church guide and support you through this trying time. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

Valerie Satallante Manning

March 14, 2010

Dear Greg,
You and your family are in my prayers. May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to be with you during this time and grant you the peace that passes all understanding.

Charlie Reinhardt

March 14, 2010

Greg, Please know I'm thinking of you and your family at this time. May God grant you and the kids strength at this difficult time.

March 13, 2010

Blessings to you and your family-

Scott, Andrea and Jordan Block

March 13, 2010

Dear Greg, Our hearts go out to you and your children. You and your family are in our prayers. Mary and Charlie Reinhardt

Mary Reinhardt

March 13, 2010

Dear Greg, Our hearts go out to you and your children. You and your family are in our prayers. Mary and Charlie Reinhardt

Melissa Reinhardt

March 13, 2010

Dear Greg,
I am so sorry to learn of Leigh Ann's passing. You, your children,and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Susan (mujahedin) Tyler

March 13, 2010

Greg, you and the kids have been in our prayers. I am so thankful that the Lord has surrounded you with so much support during this time.
In Him,

March 13, 2010

Greg and Family, I just found out today about Leigh Ann. I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for the Holy Spirit's comfort and that you would be surrounded by friends and family.

-Julie Eshelman

Doreen Baker (Reinhardt)

March 12, 2010

Greg, my Fishkill Brother....I was so sad to hear the news today about your beautiful wife Leigh Ann. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your children and the whole family.

Cam Philbin

March 12, 2010

Leigh Ann had such a kind spirit about her that touched so many people. I became friends with Leigh Ann in highschool and I feel priviledged to have known such a wonderful woman. May her family find comfort knowing that she is with the Lord. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

The Zwagerman Family

March 12, 2010

Dear Tonkinsons,

In sharing with friends tonight, we realized we know people from Leigh Ann's days at Aguilar Elementary, and it was clear even as a child she was someone special.

She didn't get to stay long enough, though I am glad she had so much love in her life.

May you feel love and light pour into your hearts and minds!

Ron Lombardino

March 12, 2010

Greg and family, We are so so sorry for your loss. We heard today about what had happened and are so sad. But we all know she is now in a better place. Sincerely,
Ron and Veronica Lombardino (old neighbors)

March 12, 2010

Greg-

I have been praying for you since I heard, and will continue to pray. We are so sorry for your loss and know that Jesus is near you all now and caring for you as you grieve for your precious wife. Much love, Michele (Ammons) Cunningham and family

Courtney Giauque

March 12, 2010

I was friends with Leigh Ann in high school, and I remember her as being sunny and cheerful. We were in school plays and classes together, and hung out in a larger group of friends. I am so sorry for your loss; I pray that you find the strength to bear this heavy load. May God bless your family.

Rachel Slezak

March 12, 2010

Greg and family,
I am Amy's friend that celebrated Mark's 30th birthday with you. I wanted you to know that you are in my prayers, and I pray that our loving God will be your source of comfort right now. I am so sorry for your loss, and I am praying for you.

Lisa Curtis

March 12, 2010

My prayers are with all the family of Leigh Ann. You were all so blessed to have such a wonderful human being in your lives. I worked with Leigh Ann for several years. She was always a joy to work with. The day could be falling apart, but Leigh Ann was always so optamistic. She'll be missed greatly. I pray for peace to all Leigh Ann's family and children.

The Callums

March 12, 2010

We are so sorry for your loss! Leigh Ann was a wonderful person. Alot of people looked up to her for all her accomplishments and awesome family life. We are proud to have known her and she will be greatly missed. Our sincere sympathy and many prayers to your family.

Todd Scher

March 12, 2010

Greg and family, we are so sorry for your loss, but rejoice that your bride and childrens' mother is with our Heavenly Father. We pray that His love, comfort and strength would surround you.

Mary Clare Olson

March 11, 2010

Dear Greg, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray to our Father in heaven to grant you wisdom and strength to meet each day. God is good.

Kimberly Meyer

March 11, 2010

I went to school with Leigh Ann at Aguilar. My whole heart goes out to her family and her young children. I wish I could take some of the pain away from them.......I will continue to keep your family in my prayers! May GOD be with them in their time of need.

Mary (Fitzgerald) Rezac

March 11, 2010

As a teacher at Aguilar School, I had the wonderful opportunity to get to know the Marten family. First Lance, then Leigh Ann, and Reagan passed through my classroom doors. I remember Leigh Ann as a quiet, thoughtful, beautiful girl in 4th grade, and it seems from reading about her through family and friends that she grew into an amazing young woman, wife, mother and nurse. My prayers are with all of her family and friends as they find their way to mourn her loss, and celebrate her life.

Janey Ramirez

March 11, 2010

Tonkinson Family, I do not know you personally but have many friends who knew Leigh and your family. I am so deeply sorry for your loss and will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers always.

Rebecca (Stevens) Starkweather

March 11, 2010

Thinking of your precious family at this difficult time. I went to Marcos with Leigh Ann. Praying for your family to find peace and strength.

Nancy Henry

March 11, 2010

I met Leigh Ann in a Bible Study at Cornerstone, and in the several week study, I came to love her gentle sweet soul.
What a precious girl she was, so soft, so loving, so easy to hug, easy to love. She always was thinking of others, and loved the Lord so profoundly.
My heart breaks with you at this tragic loss.. I know she is resting in the loving arms of our Heavenly father..but your loss is great.
We will continue to pray that God surrounds you with His loving grace.
So very saddened ~

The Marlin Family

March 11, 2010

We were so saddened to hear the tragic news of Leigh Ann's death last Saturday evening. Even though we do not know you personally, our daughter, Lisa Marlin, worked side by side with Leigh Ann at Phoenix Children's Hospital. When she shared this news with our famiiy, we were all stunned beyond belief that someone so special and loving could be gone in the blink of an eye. Our whole family is grieving with you in this devastating loss. We are sending each one of you our deepest sympathy from Minnesota. Lisa could not say enough wonderful things about Leigh Ann, and how much she looked up to and respected her for the wonderful nurse, wife and mother that she was. Our hearts are so sad, but please know that we will continue to pray for you all, and we are asking God to surround you with His love, comfort, and a peace that passes all human understanding.

With Our Deepest Sympathy,

Ron Maty

March 11, 2010

We have known the Marten family since Leigh Ann was two years old and have watched her grow up to be a fine, loving young Christian woman with a beautiful family and a love for her Savior Jesus Christ. To have her gone from us so suddenly in such a senseless way is difficult to understand. God must have plans that are hidden from us and known only to Him. Peggy, Larry, Lance, Regan, and Greg, please know that our prayers are with you and your families and that we pray that your love and faith in God will surround and comfort you now and every day to come. We also pray that as time passes your present grief will soon be replaced by fond memories of Leagh Ann. Remember that we and all your friends are here for you and ready to do whatever we can to help you now and in the future. May God bless you all.

March 11, 2010

My brother Tige and I used to walk to Aguilar every morning with Lance and Leigh Ann. I am so sorry for your loss.
Alicia (Susoreny) Schaar

Shawna

March 11, 2010

My heartfelt prayers go out to you in this time of sorrow! It sounds like you have many, that love you very much! The peace of God be with you and your entire family!

Karen Chamerski

March 11, 2010

Tonkinson Family, I don't know you personally, you are my daughters 11th grade bible teacher at Valley. When Breanna told us of your loss it made me think how short our lives are here. Your wife was a beautiful woman, and has seemed to have touched many lives. We will continue to pray for your family at this very hard time. Remember always we are their HEAVEN! Know that she is always with you! Love The Chamerski Family

Lisa Grabarec

March 11, 2010

I've worked at ASU College of Nursing for 14 years so I'm sure I knew Leigh Ann and she does look familiar. It saddens me to hear when someone so young loses her chance to see her children grow up and grow old with her husband. But the Lord needed her and will protect her forever. God Bless you and your Family through this difficult time. When you look up at the stars in the sky know that Leigh Ann is watching over her entire family and will protect and guide you all.

Peace and Faith,
Lisa Grabarec

Susie Richardson

March 11, 2010

Dear Greg and family, what a blow to receive sweet Scott's phone call last Sunday afternoon. Went and found your Xmas picture from last year, soaking in the effect on each of you and then L.A.'s folks, extended family, on and on. Praying God's lavish comfort enfolding you all. We want to be there to see you through, His instruments. At the same time, we rejoice that precious Leigh Ann is with her Savior, awaiting the rest of us . . .

Phil Coleman

March 11, 2010

I met Leigh Ann when her friend Annie invited her to handbell rehearsal at FBCT. It was not many rehearsals later that Leigh Ann showed up sporting a huge rock on the third finger of her left hand that you gave her, Greg. I remember the absolute glee she shared with her girl posse that day. Like that beautiful diamond, I know your memories of her will be forever precious. I'm praying for you and the kids.

Susie Hoesel

March 10, 2010

My two sons were in LeighAnn's Sunday School class in 4th grade boys - Charlie & Andrew. Both boys, my husband, Steve, & I wish to offer our most heartfelt sympathies. We know God is with you and you are all in our prayers. Susie Hoesel

Julie Lemke(Robin's cousin)

March 10, 2010

Peggy and Larry,
This pix is how I remember your beautiful daughter, so full of love. We were deeply saddened to hear of your tragic loss.
Lance(Robin),Reagan(Jaime),
I cannot imagine the hurt over the loss of your beloved sister. May God's love surround you during this difficult time.
Greg, Caden, Bailey and Malia,
"How blest are they who trust in Christ when we and those we love must part. We yield them up, for go we must, But do not lose them from our heart." May God give you continued strength now and in the days to come until one day your whole family will reunite with Leigh Ann and our Heavenly Father. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Bernadette Melnyk

March 10, 2010

Dear Tonkinson family,
I want to extend our deepest sympathy from the ASU College of Nursing & Health Innovation family. We are deeply saddened by your loss. I didn't have the pleasure of getting to Know Leigh Ann as I arrived at ASU in 2005, but faculty who taught and knew her have all said what an outstanding person and student that she was while in our nursing program.
Please know that all of you will be in our thoughts and prayers. I hope the wonderful memories of your time with Leigh Ann can bring you comfort through this extremely difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything at all that we can do for you.
Warm regards,
Dean Bernadette Melnyk and the ASU College of Nursing Faculty and Staff

The Owen Family

March 10, 2010

Dear Greg and Family,
WE are so saddened by your loss. You and Leigh Ann made an difference in our lives and we are forever grateful for every moment.

We love you all so much and will be praying for Gods embrace to comfort you during your grief. We also pray for strength and healing with time.

Stand in the rain!

Barbara

March 10, 2010

With Sympathy

March 10, 2010

Dear Tonkinson family,
Our family knows yours from a distance as fellow members of The Grove. We've enjoyed Greg's guitar playing and leading the children in music worship. I worked along side Leigh Ann as a Clubhouse volunteer. We know she's in the comforting arms of our Lord Jesus. We pray that you & your children feel God's loving arms around you during this difficult time. It is so hard to understand the number of days & hours He plans for us on this Earth. Prayers for you all will continually come from our home.
In Christ,
The Mesquita Family

sharon

March 10, 2010

I saw your facebook page. You and your family are beautiful. May God somehow get your family through this grief.

April (Rood) Milne

March 10, 2010

I knew Reagan in school and more recently knew of Leigh Ann through friends. I was deeply saddened when I heard of this horrible loss. My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to all the family and friends of Leigh Ann. May God be with you in this time of sorrow.

Polly Thomas

March 10, 2010

Leigh Ann brought sunshine and her smile to work. She shared it with patients, their families and staff. Her kind and caring manner will be missed.
May her children and family be comforted during this sad and difficult time.

caroline lydiah

March 10, 2010

May God rest her soul in eternal peace and may her family be flooded with God's peace that surpusses all human understanding

March 10, 2010

Greg, we were saddened to hear of your loss but know you are finding strength in your faith with the lord. Our thoughts are with you and your family. You are in our prayers.
Mark & Stacey Blanchfield

Jon Nitta

March 10, 2010

Greg and family, Kay and I were deeply saddened at the tragedy of losing Leigh Ann. Our hearts are broken for you and the kids. May God comfort you all during this difficult time

Sharon Sullivan

March 10, 2010

Your friends at Phoenix Seminary are praying for you, Greg. May you be held in God's loving arms.

Joan King

March 10, 2010

Greg, and family~ I don't know your family but I am good friends with both the Gavin's and Moresco's, I am soo sorry to hear of your tremendous loss and hope you can find peace and all the love you can with your family at the Grove... Peace be with you and your loved ones!!!

Dana Valletta

March 10, 2010

Leigh Ann was one of the most kind and loving people I have ever met. She had a quiet way of making things happen that always had the patient's interest at heart. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of your tragic loss. I hope someday her children will know what a truly remarkable woman she was. Peace to your family.

Dina Van Hazel

March 10, 2010

Although I have not seen Leigh Ann in a few years I still remember her vibrant smile. Always with kids in tow, you could just tell she was an attentive mother. As I go throughout my day I think and pray for you often that you will find comfort in knowing you will see her again, whole and perfect. Her legacy lives on in not only her children but the many lives she touched along the way. I am truly deeply so sorry for your loss.

March 10, 2010

One can only imagine the heartbreak that your family is going through in this difficult time. It shows us all how precious life is and how quickly it can change. I remember Leigh Ann as a beautiful, talented and gentle young girl as she attended Aguilar with my daughter, Jennifer. All of our hearts are breaking. Our sincere sympathy to your family. Jan Tucker

Sara Weber

March 10, 2010

I am praying that God will bring you His peace through this time.

Amy Coppage (Boat)

March 10, 2010

I knew Leigh Ann since Aguilar Elementary. I am so very sad. You all are in our hearts.

Andrew, Beatriz & Liliana Bailey

March 10, 2010

We are blessed to have met Leigh Ann and her beautiful, loving family. Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for their whole family. May God bless you all and help you through your pain. You are all in our prayers.

Petrie Family

March 10, 2010

Greg and family, you do not know me but my son Liam is in Caden's class at Centennial Elementary. Ever since Liam told me about your loss I haven't stopped thinking of your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We hope you will feel comforted at this difficult time.

Stacy Wagner (Birch)

March 10, 2010

I grew up friends with her little sister Reagan and knew her through that realationship. My heart breaks for your entire family. Everything I knew about Leigh Ann was amazing. She seemed like such a wonderful person and I can't imagine how truly missed she will be. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Charmaine Newton

March 10, 2010

I am so sad....Leigh Ann was a gifted, wise and fun young woman. A role model. I am am privileged to have been able to watch you and her grow in your lives and with your children. You know, we all leave fingerprints of our lives on those we have touched. Her fingerprints are everywhere....what a legacy!

Mark Ruff

March 10, 2010

We mourn with you.

Tim Fountain

March 10, 2010

Our family is at a loss for words to express how deeply sorry we are for your family. We pray for you and your children after the loss of such a beautiful woman. We had the pleasure of growing up with Leigh Ann and will always remember her fondly. May God comfort you at this most difficult time.

Geneal Fendrick

March 10, 2010

It is difficult to find words to express my sympathy for your loss. It has been many years since I have seen Leigh Ann (I played softball with Lance and Robin). I feel like I have known her well though because of my connection to Andra. I know that Leigh Ann's life was full, that her smile was joy, that her purpose was love and friendship. Cherish her memory and honor her life and know that many hearts are broken by this tragedy. I am living out of the country so I will not be at the services, but know that you are all in my prayers...
Sincerely,
Geneal Fendrick

Randy Frost

March 10, 2010

Greg, My heart is breaking for you and your family as I read this. Leigh Ann was was like a breath of fresh air and will truly be missed. My prayers go out to you all at this time of great loss. May God bless you all!

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