Rita M. Toney, 88, of South Whitehall Township, died Dec. 12, 2013, in St. Luke's Hospital, Allentown.

She was the wife of the late Joseph Toney.

Born in Ohio and raised in the Topton area, she was a daughter of the late Allen and Katie Kemmerling.

She retired from the housekeeping department of the former Allentown Hospital, where she worked for 13 years.

She was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Cedar Crest congregation.

A lifelong nature and animal lover, she could name all the trees and wildflowers in the woods and could identify birds by their songs.

She enjoyed woodworking, long hikes and beach vacations with family members. She also wrote beautiful award-winning poetry.

Her survivors include children, Bonnie and husband Jim, JoAnn and husband Bill, Irene and husband Dave, and Joseph and wife Dorothy; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings Joyce, Carol and Thomas; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a grandson and four siblings.

Her memorial service was Dec. 21, in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 4733 Shank-weiler Road, Orefield 18069.

Share condolences at stephensfuneral.com.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Kingdom Hall or to Lehigh County Humane Society, 640 Dixon St., Allentown, PA 18103.

Arrangements made by Stephens Funeral Home Inc., Allentown.