Dorothy J. Tonges

Dorothy Jeanne (Taylor) Tonges passed away on September 6, 2023.  She was 98.

Dorothy was born on January 9, 1925, in Dayton, Ohio, to Burton A. and Margaret (Fanning) Taylor.  She graduated from Sidney High School where she excelled in foreign language.  Dorothy graduated at the top of her class from the College of Wooster in 1946 with dual majors.  She taught both French and Spanish at Alliance High School prior to raising her family.  Dorothy was a former member of First United Presbyterian Church and the AHS Coaches Wives.

Dorothy was an excellent seamstress.  She loved shopping, playing cards, crossword puzzles, Coca-Cola, the Cleveland Cavaliers and a good cheeseburger. 

Dorothy was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She was a warm, kind and caring woman who was dearly loved by all who knew her.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Margaret (Shawn) Wise; son, Mike (Cindy) Tonges; grandsons, Daniel (Samantha) Wise, Stephen Wise, and Bradley Tonges; and great-grandchildren, John and Dakota Wise.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and by the love of her life, Julius Tonges, whom she met while teaching at AHS.  They were married 51 years before his passing in March of 2002.

The family extends special thanks to the caregivers who lovingly assisted them with her care.  They would also like to thank the staff of St. Luke Rehabilitation Center for the excellent care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the AHS Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 3123, Alliance, Ohio 44601 or to the Alliance Community Pantry, PO Box 2581, Alliance, Ohio 44601.

Her memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 11, at 12:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home.  Dean Marini will officiate.  Interment will be at Highland Memorial Park.