Tribute

Tonita Ann Dellinger, 88, of Tucson, AZ, passed away on November 16, 202,5 following several months of declining health. Originally from Newton, North Carolina, Tonita and her late husband, Charles Dellinger, moved west in the early 1960s and made Tucson their home. Tonita was a dedicated, caring mother and wife. She loved the desert, hiking, gardening, traveling, music, crafting, and was an accomplished artist. Tonita’s faith in God, love of family, and ability to find joy in all around her gave her a cheerful outlook on life. After retiring from the University of Arizona as an Administrative Assistant, Tonita was a volunteer docent at the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum art gallery, served on the altar guild, and was a lunch-time volunteer at Faith Lutheran Church and School. In her later years, Tonita was proud to be an active founding member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church located in her neighborhood. Survivors include six children, Karl (Meg) Dellinger, Kathleen (Chris) Fitzgerald, Julie McIntyre, of Tucson, AZ; Kristina (Tony) Larosa, of Phoenix, AZ; Jesse Dellinger, of Lyman, S.C.; and Jeanne (Mike) Duhan, of Soldotna, AK; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one brother, Eddie Travis, of Newton, N.C. With her positive, happy attitude and enthusiastic willingness to lend a helpful hand to others, Tonita touched the lives of many. She will be sorely missed by all who were blessed to know her and share in her life. A memorial service for Tonita will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 15th at Faith Lutheran Church in Tucson. Burial will take place in North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church or Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Friends & Family