Tonnie J Gay

Tonnie J. Gay, age 83, of Rogue River, Oregon, passed away on August 7, 2025, at Asante Hospital in Grants Pass, Oregon.

Born on November 13, 1941, in Los Angeles, California, Tonnie was the beloved daughter of Claude E. Hathaway and Deloris J. Dickenshent.

She graduated from James Monroe High School in North Hollywood, Class of 1960, and was a proud member of Job’s Daughters.

On June 2, 1962, Tonnie married the love of her life, Gerald "Jerry" Gay, in Olympic Valley, California, with Reverend Frank Evans officiating. Together, they raised their family in Tahoe City, California, where they lived for 26 years.

After Jerry’s retirement from the Tahoe City Fire Department in 1988, they spent a brief time in the Sacramento area before settling in Rogue River, Oregon, in 2003. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in June 2025.

Tonnie is survived by her devoted husband Jerry; daughter Wendy of Rogue River; son Wayne and his wife Karrie of Sparks, Nevada; grandson Michael and his wife Lindsey of Reno, Nevada, and great grandchildren Marshall and Evalynn; grandson Christopher and his wife Amanda of Sparks, Nevada, and great grandson Sawyer.

Tonnie had a lifelong passion for fashion, with a special love for collecting and creating Victorian costumes and hats, which she proudly wore on special occasions.

She found joy in dressing in Victorian style and participating in parades, high teas, and similar events. Her admiration for King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table reflected her love of history and imagination.

A celebration of life will be held on September 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (or longer if needed) at the Live Oak Grange Hall, 120 Gardiner Street, Rogue River, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in her honor to the Arthritis Foundation PO Box 96280, Washington DC 20077