Tonja Diane (Craig) Stangle, 77, of Bridgeport, Illinois, peacefully passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, Indiana, surrounded by the love of her family.
She was born July 13, 1947, in Lawrenceville, Illinois, the daughter of Raymond Leroy and Geraldine (West) Craig. She graduated from Bridgeport High School.
Tonja was a licensed and practicing beautician for many years. She also was a cook for United Methodist Village, Lawrenceville Hospital, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Lawrenceville. She was a proud member of the St. Francisville American Legion Auxiliary.
Tonja loved to laugh and smile; and she had an artistic side. She liked to crochet, make jewelry and was a gifted painter. She painted a large mural in the cafeteria wall at Lawrenceville Hospital during her tenure as a cook there.
Left to cherish Tonja’s memory are her three children, Jeri Ann Stangle of Bridgepoint, IL, Kimberly Sue Huerta (Gilberto) of Berlin, Maryland, and Charity Rene Tester (Bobby) of Vincennes, Indiana.
Her legacy flourishes through her adoring grandchildren, Gilbert Huerta Jr., Joseph Antonio Huerta, Captain Jonathan Andres Huerta, Brady Tester (Ashley) and her precious great grandson Caspian Tester.
Preceding her in death were her parents and a brother, Robert Lynn Craig.
A graveside celebration of life officiated by Reverend Gilbert Huerta will be held at Shiloh Cemetery in Bridgeport IL on October 19th at 5 pm central time. Friends and family can leave remembrances on the funeral home website. Donations may be made to the American Legion in Tonja’s honor.
Condolences may be sent to www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Tonja’s family.
