Toni Lee McOmber, age 65, passed away October 20, 2020 due to natural causes. She was born November 9, 1954 in Butte, Montana to Forrest and Mary McOmber. After graduating high school, Toni served three years in the United States Army, worked as a park ranger at Glacier National Park, and travelled the world. She eventually began school at University of Montana where she studied philosophy and horticulture. Throughout most of her life, Toni practiced Tibetan Buddhism and followed the Dalai Lama’s teachings of kindness and compassion. Toni had a passion for social justice and much of her career was spent as a welfare advocate in Montana and Washington. She also loved interior design, antiques, and travelling to Hawaii to visit her favorite island, Maui, where she loved to snorkel and view all the sea creatures she could.
Toni is preceded in death by her parents; great aunt, Bernice Cowan; sister Nona Canfield; and her beloved cousin Carol Beethe. Toni will be fondly remembered by her daughter, Tela Gardner, sister Julie Tanner, sister Amy McOmber, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended and chosen family. A service will be held at a later date due to COVID. Memorial donations may be made to United Indians of All Tribes Foundation or Tibetan Language Institute, two organizations she knew personally and supported.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Toni. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Toni and her family.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Anita Carr says
I met Toni on Facebook about 6 years ago. We both served in the US Army and both of us were stationed in Germany. Toni’s kind and compassionate aura shined through with her postings. She will be deeply missed and I look forward to the day when I see her again. Rest in Heavenly Peace my dear. Gone too soon, too young and never to be forgotten. My condolences to her family and many friends.
Ona says
Missed and remembered Rest In Peace, CPL Nona. wAC
Diane Gray says
I worked withToni at the WIC office at Missoula County Health Department. This is a shock to hear and she is way too young to have passed. Prayers to family and friends! Every time I see a llama I think of Toni as that was her dream when working with us. I know she fulfilled that dream and hope many more!
Pauline Keehn says
I also met Toni on Facebook a few years back. I also served in the Army, but not with Toni. She and I had an instant connection because I saw the glow of love the continually immenating from her. Her connection to the Earth was phenominal and she held all dear. Toni will be missed by many of us who served our country. And through her service to her country, it illustrates just what a selfless person she was!!! ♫