Verna Rose Hansen Tonks passed away on 24 September, 2016 in American Falls, Idaho due to complications incident to age. Verna was born on 7 April 1924 in Independence, Madison County, Idaho to Alma Peter and Rose Marie Hansen.

She grew up on her family's farm. She loved to read and was often found with a book in her hand, even when she should have been doing her chores. Her love for books continued throughout her life. She graduated from Madison High School in 1942 just as the nation became embroiled in World War II.

After High School graduation, Verna worked in Pocatello for Garrett Freightlines, then received nurses training at the LDS Hospital in Idaho Falls. She worked as a RN after completing her training. She met Elmo Tonks on a blind date and they later were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on 10 June 1947.

After their marriage, they settled in Victor Idaho where Elmo was employed as a mechanic and she worked as a nurse at Teton Valley Hospital. Together they built a house and worked in Elmo's business, Tonks Brother's Service. They had 5 children. She became a full-time mother and homemaker during these years. After the birth of their youngest child, Verna began working again as a nurse at the hospital. She continued working there until Elmo was in a severe accident in late 1981.

Verna loved her role as mother and grandmother. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, quilting, knitting, reading, and making other crafts. She loved to play games with her children and grandchildren, especially word games. She could often be found solving a crossword puzzle or putting together a 1000-piece puzzle. She attended the births and early days of most of her 16 grandchildren.
She served in many positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including primary teacher, Relief Society secretary, and a librarian for many years.

After living in the home that she and Elmo built in Victor for 57 years, they moved to Sugar City, where they lived for 5 years until Elmo's death in 2009. She had been living with her eldest daughter Jeanine during the past 7 years.

Verna is survived by 4 children, Jeanine (Brent) Sagers of American Falls, Marie (Robert) Hone of San Diego California, William Brian (Nancy) Tonks of Rigby, Idaho, and Shauna (Blair) Burke of Chubbuck Idaho, 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and sisters Fern Anderson and Elma Jean (Glenn) Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband and her beloved son Dennis (Shirlene) of Kearney Missouri.

Funeral services will be held in the Victor LDS Second Ward at 11 a.m. on Friday, 30 September, 2016 under the direction of the Flamm Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg on Thursday, 29 September from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and before the funeral service from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Victor LDS Church. Interment will be in the Victor Cemetery.