Toma Ray Garton, 98, of Corydon passed away Friday, August 04, 2017 at Wayne County Hospital.

Toma Ray was born to James Buchanan "J.B." & Erie (Spradling) Harrill on December 17, 1918 in Gould, Oklahoma. She received her education from LA Homa High School in McQueen, Oklahoma graduating in 1936. Toma Ray was united in marriage to Earnest Garton on June 11, 1938; he preceded her in death on March 4, 1996. To this union are three children; Tina, Tommie and Darrill.

Toma Ray spent her younger years in Oklahoma, relocating to the Texas panhandle in the late 40's with her family. Earnest and Toma Ray spent the next several years farming and then owning a grocery store. Looking for a brighter future, Earnest took a job with a natural gas company and later transferred to Iowa in 1960.

Toma Ray had a passion for collecting dolls. Her collection of about 400 dolls was passed to family and friends when she moved to Murphy Place. However, her greatest love was her family. She cherished th...[more]

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ime that she spent with her loved ones.

Toma Ray was known as "Mema" by all her family. She had a very strong Christian faith. She loved taking care of the babies in the church nursery, where she sometimes took care of multiple generations of the same families. The family rejoices with knowing that she is now with her family that passed before her. Rest in peace Mema.

Survivors include three children: Tina Rockhold (Jr.) of Corydon, Tommie Garton (Leota) of Bettendorf, Darrill Garton (Pam) of Springfield, Missouri, eight grandchildren: Chuck Collier (Jane), Rick Rockhold, Dawna Curry (Chris), Kristina Chapman (Blake), Tommie Garton Jr. (Sheryl), Tammie Schultz (John), Cheri Wierich, Dena Garton, 12 great grandchildren, six great great grandchildren and numerous extended family. Toma Ray was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Earnest and five siblings.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at Thomas Funeral Home - 303 E. Jefferson - Corydon, Iowa 50060. Interment will immediately follow in Corydon Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m... Memorials may be given to the Wayne County Hospital, and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com.