Ramona "Toni Clark" Gilbreth

Mrs. Ramona Clark "Toni" Gilbreth's Story

1938 - 2025

La Jara, Colorado

Mrs. Ramona "Toni" Gilbreth met her Savior face to face on September 3, 2025, La Jara, Colorado, at the age of 86. We imagine that Toni and her husband Charles "Chuck" Wayne Gilbreth are hand in hand once again strolling the streets of gold.

Toni was born on December 7, 1938, in Protection, Kansas. She was the first of her siblings to graduate from high school and continued her education at West Valley Junior College. She earned her "PhT" (Putting Hubby Through) while supporting her husband's pursuit of a master's degree in Electrical Engineering - all while working and caring for her family.

From an early age, Toni had a strong work ethic. As a young girl, along with her siblings, she worked in the fields and got her nickname, "Little Toni" by shadowing a favorite farmhand. Toni babysat and took a job at Boulder Twin Burger Drive-Ateria, where she caught the eye of the man who would become her husband. As a young married woman living in Denver, Toni worked as a typist for Esquire magazine. Later, while raising her family, she took in laundry, gave perms, worked at a deli counter, proctored California Registered Nursing exams, and served samples at Costco.

Toni shared a devoted marriage with her beloved husband of 52 years, Charles "Chuck" Wayne Gilbreth, until his passing in 2007. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Olin and Lucille (Crissup) Clark; brothers: Alan Clark, Jerry Clark, Larry Clark, and Randy Clark; sisters: Bernice Barneycastle, Donna Smith, Shirley Burl, Elzora "Corky" Burl, Sandy Marquez, Beatrice "Susie" Burl, Jo An (Gene) Rouse, and Sherry Dike; daughter-in-law: Patricia (Avila) Gilbreth; granddaughter: Cheyenna Giselle Gutierrez; and great-grand Baby Rae Lee.

A woman of many passions, as a teenager in Denver, Colorado, Toni performed as a dancer for the Fred & Fay Show on Channel 2. Toni was an avid league bowler, enjoyed reading, sewing, knitting afghans and dishcloths, tending to her garden, feeding hummingbirds, and caring for pets - including her beloved dogs Pierre her black Poodle and Teddy "Boo Boo" her white Maltese. She loved baking, canning, making and eating chocolates, serving good home cooked meals while stretching her budget to feed her family of six. Toni enjoyed shopping, eating out, and entertaining guests. Toni was well known for her impeccable sense of style and her always beautifully coiffed hair.

Faith played an important role in Toni's life. In her time as a Missionette Leader, she helped lead the hearts of many young girls to her Savior Jesus. South East Asian Ministries of Bethel Church and supporting orphans at the Lillian Trasher Orphanage in Assiout, Egypt were also her heartfelt passions. She served as Construction Manager and Treasurer for the Conejos Canyon Community Chapel and was active in the Presbyterian Women's Group. She also contributed to her community through the Civil Air Patrol post WWII and sat on the Conejos County Hospital Auxiliary Board.

Above all else, she was devoted to Chuck and their children: David (Patricia) Gilbreth, Barbara (Porter) Spencer, Dianne (Jeff) Lee, and Cheryl (John) Gutierrez; grandchildren: Rebecca (Daniels) Blanco, Kathryn (Christopher) Gilbreth, Jesse (Rachel) Lee, Lynnae (Lucas) Velasquez, Melissa (Mario) Salcido, Kamren (Gessica) Lee, Charles (Lauren) Spencer, Donnamarie Spencer, William Spencer, Charlene (James) Gutierrez, Chanel Gutierrez, Christina Gutierrez, Charissa Gutierrez, and John Gutierrez; great-grandchildren: Andi, Cody, Caleb and Phoenix Lee, David and Jake Blanco, Lucy and Hazel Spencer, and Libby Salcido.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on September 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Conejos Canyon Community Chapel, 20062 State Highway 17 – between mile markers 20 and 21 to the west of Antonito, Colorado; P.O. Box 460, Antonito, Colorado 81120. Following the service, Toni will be laid to rest beside her husband at Fox Creek Cemetery in Fox Creek, Conejos County, Colorado 81120. After the graveside service, please come join us at the Fox Creek residence for food, fellowship, and sharing memories of the beautiful life of Toni. Arrangements are in the care of Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa, Colorado. Donations can be made to Conejos Canyon Community Chapel in honor of the lives and legacy of Chuck and Toni Gilbreth.

Toni's acceptance and love extended to all whom she met and will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. "I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in." Matthew 25:35