Dates
Vesta was born in Stamford, Texas on September 20, 1928 to Rafe Teague Ferrell and Sarah Jenkins Ferrell. She was the youngest of 7 born in this family. Vesta married O.D. Toney on May 30, 1947 and they had two children, Michael Wayne Toney and Margie Nell Toney Laughlin. Vesta and O.D. were married for over 63 years when he passed away in 2010. Vesta is survived by her daughter, Margie of San Angelo, two grandsons, Chris Trevathan and Ryan Trevathan, both of San Angelo, and several nieces and nephews along with their families.
Vesta was preceded in death by her parents, her son Michael in 1978, five sisters Mildred Harshberger, Velma Sims, Ava Hardin, Vera Vineta Stremmel, Lavern Hill, and one brother Royce Ferrell.
Vesta and her family lived in Los Angeles for 13 years where she proudly claims to have taught herself to drive on the freeways there. The Toneys then moved back to Texas where they lived over 50 years in San Angelo. Vesta was a member of the Church of Christ and worshipped at the Chadbourne North congregation at the time of her passing.
Vesta was a respected and loved resident at Rio Concho Manor for over 10 years. Vesta was a volunteer for Meals for the Elderly in San Angelo and was employed for over 20 years at Ethicon as a supervisor in the Quality Assurance department where she made many lifelong friends.
Vesta lived out her faith in many ways and was a wonderful example of God’s grace and mercy to her family and many others in San Angelo. Being the last living sibling in her family, she was a “second mom” to many of her nieces and nephews and others in the family. She often said she prayed for each of her family members every day, and her words of wisdom and encouragement were so treasured. One of her favorite times was when many of her family would worship together with her. Those sitting next to her would feel her gentle hands reach out and hold their hands during prayers.
While living in California, her sister LaVerne and family lived nearby leading to a special closeness between those two families. But, knowing Vesta, she showed no partiality and loved all her family. Vesta’s closeness to her brother, Royce, was so apparent as she cared for him in many ways as his health began to fail. Vesta loved to travel and made several lengthy road trips with her oldest sister, Mildred. Their special bond started when Mildred helped care for Vesta as an infant. Vesta and O.D. raised several farm animals while living on the edge of San Angelo leading Vesta to become an efficient goat milker and advocate of drinking goat milk. She and Hondo, the donkey, had several interesting days together on the “farm”. Vesta loved her Volkswagons and her dogs!
Vesta will be missed so much, as will her kind and encouraging words. Her guidance and advice helped many of her family through difficult times. Her love for Jesus Christ was so apparent and she lived a full life. Vesta now has a face to put with a holy and beloved name.
II Timothy 4:7-8 describes Vesta’s journey so well
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
Donations in memory of Vesta can be made to Meals for the Elderly, 310 E. Houston Harte, San Angelo, TX 76903