Graveside services for Mrs. Toni Jeanine Girlinghouse, age 63, of Cibolo, TX, will be held at Old Athens Cemetery with the procession to begin at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, September 18, 2021.  Bro. Kevin Girlinghouse will be officiating and the Eulogy will be done by Jeffery York-Sterling.    Toni left this earth peacefully at 11:50 P.M. (ET) on September 3, 2021 and she will be laid to rest right next to her husband, the love of her life, Ron Girlinghouse, in Athens, Louisiana.  Services will be under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.

Mrs. Girlinghouse was born December 7, 1957 in Rayville, LA.  She was the second child of James and Holly Bennett.  She spent many years in Alaska, Maine, and Louisiana where she made many memories and friends.  In 1975, her brother Vernon, while on leave from the US Army, introduced her to a fellow soldier who would eventually sweep her off her feet and become her husband in March of 1976.  Together Toni and Ron spent the next forty-five years raising a family and raising hell on their Harleys.  During her sixty-three years here on earth, Toni has had many accomplishments.  In 1992, she received her registered nursing license where she spent several years caring for many patients at SJRMC in Farmington, NM.  After their youngest child graduated high school in 2000, Toni and Ron chose to begin a new adventure where Toni became a travel nurse.  She and Ron spent many years traveling the country and making long lasting memories and friends.  Toni continued the dedication to serving those in crisis all the way until her death.

Toni was blessed to have been near or at the birth of all seven of her grandbabies. She loved each and every one of them beyond words. Here are a few special messages from her three oldest grandbabies:

-Jeff: "The death of a grandparent is always hard, but it's especially crushing when they have been such a huge part of my life and one of my biggest supporters. You will always be connected spiritually. Love you, Mamaw."

-Jacob: "My grandmother was always there for me from the beginning. I just wish I could've been there for you in the end. Love you to the moon and back."

-Destiny: "My Mamaw always made sure I was taken care of and she never failed to make me laugh when I was crying. It's never easy letting a best friend go but I find comfort knowing she is with Papaw (Ron) now. I'll drink the wine for you, Mamaw. I love you forever."

Toni is survived by her mother, Holly Bennett; her children Angela (Ray) Sterling, Shane Girlinghouse and Amy Girlinghouse; honorary (acquired) daughter, Tanisha Chapman; her grandchildren:   Jeffery (Neda), Jacob, Destiny (Jaycen), Grace, Thomas, Nevaeh, and Trinity; her siblings:  Vernon, James, Patrick, Everett, Joey, and Audrey; her spoiled rotten, four legged babies:  Lady and Lizzy and many more beloved family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Ronald Girlinghouse; her father, James Charles Bennett and her cousin, Dalton (Rocky) Edwards.

Pallbearers will be Vernon Bennett, James Bennett, Patrick Bennett, Everett Bennett, Joey Bennett, and Stephen Girlinghouse.

Visitation for friends and family will be held from 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M., on Friday, September 17, 2021 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 2300 West California Ave, Ruston, LA.   To leave and online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com .