Toni Tipton
March 4, 1934 - November 26, 2015

Benita Anthony (Toni) Tipton (81) passed away on Thanksgiving Day. She was diagnosed with brain cancer in September and spent her final weeks under the loving care of her family. Her final moments were spent surrounded by family singing and telling stories.

Toni was born in Omaha, NE to Charles and Benita Bongardt. She earned her BA from Duchesne College and her Masters in English from the University of Nebraska, where she met and married Robert Gerald (Tip) Tipton, with whom she had three daughters. Toni and Tip moved to Bellingham, Washington in 1965 where they taught English at Western Washington State College.

She was divorced in 1976, and packed up the girls and the dog and moved to Seattle to pursue her lifelong interest in metaphysics. She was at the forefront of metaphysical exploration, and for a brief period owned both a bookstore and a magazine devoted to metaphysical pursuits. The business ventures ultimately failed -- she was a few decades ahead of her time offering classes in yoga, herbal therapies, and meditation; however, she always was a mystic who studied astrology and pursued all manner of teachings that help people to become their better selves.

She ultimately found satisfaction and financial stability as a legal secretary, working at Bogle & Gates in Seattle and Dorsey & Whitney in both their Seattle and Washington, DC offices. She retired from Dorsey & Whitney in 2002.

Toni was a lover of music, games and family gatherings. She played piano, and introduced a generation of neighborhood kids to "What Shall We do with the Drunken Sailor" which they belted out to her accompaniment. She was an avid bridge player, but also was an enthusiastic and boisterous participant in just about any board game offered up after a good meal. And she knitted. She knitted lots and lots of socks, which she generously distributed to loved ones and acquaintances alike.

She is survived by her three daughters, two sons-in-law and four grandchildren: Libby Legoe of Bellingham and her sons Brian and Tyler Legoe; Lissa and Kenny Summers of West Seattle; and, Mandy and Matt Bassow of Washington, DC and their daughters Lilly and Charlotte. They all cherished her companionship and good humor and will miss her dearly.

Please join her family for a celebration of Toni's life on January 16, 2016 at 2 pm at Dakota Place Park in West Seattle.