Toni Jeanne Skaryd

     Toni Jeanne Skaryd, age 83, of Bannister, MI, passed away Monday, August 3, 2026, at her home.
     A Graveside Service will be held at Ford Cemetery, Elba Township, MI, at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, with Pastor David Kimball officiating.
     Toni was born in Lansing, MI on January 28, 1943, the daughter of Leslie Eugene and Geraldine (Preadmore) Thayer. She graduated from Ashley High School, with the class of 1961. Everyone knew, Toni as the 1960, Homecoming Queen, the Majorette in the white boots, a percussionist in the marching band, and a very charismatic cheerleader. She would continue the role of cheerleader throughout her life, as a proud mother and grandmother.
     After high school, Toni attended a Beauty School in Lansing, and worked as a Beauty Operator for a short time. On June 9, 1962, Toni married Douglas Joe Skaryd at Bannister United Methodist Church. They were married nearly fifty-seven years prior to his passing on May 16, 2019.
     Toni was an amateur videographer and family historian. Known as the "video lady" she always had a video camera to record special family events, regardless if it was her family or not. She wanted to record everyone's special moments.
     Toni started her own group called "Toni's Twirlettes" where she taught baton twirling to children, and performed in the local parades. To this day, her now-adult pupils brag about being taught the "ice cream scoop" by Toni.
     For a few seasons, Toni coached the cheerleading squad at Ashley High School. Following in her footsteps, Jodi carried on Toni's love of cheer and became the cheer coach for Ovid-Elsie Middle School. Toni was there for every single event, living vicariously through Jodi.
      Toni was a special person who made those around her feel just as special. She will always be remembered as a loving and supportive mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
     She is survived by her children: Jami Skaryd of Mason, MI; Jodi (Frank) Deming of Bannister, MI; and Joe (Tonya Gillespie) Skaryd of Bannister, MI; grandchildren: Frankie Douglas (Sheila) Deming, Tyler Joe (Alexis) Skaryd, Joey Douglas (Natalie) Skaryd, BreAnna Jeanne (Randy) Johnston, Devon Leslie Skaryd, and Renegade Louise Skaryd. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Chandler Grace Deming, Quinley Mae Johnston, Monica Ryan Deming,  Randy Lee Johnston IV, Alekzander Jakub Skaryd, Gabriela Sofia Skaryd, and Marek Azrael Simbarashe Skaryd; and her special "grandchildren": AdreAnna, Trent, and Becca Crumbaugh. She was preceded in death by her parents Leslie and Geraldine Thayer; her husband Doug Skaryd, her grandson Jacob Ryan Skaryd, her sister Nancy VanAsdol, brother Rick Thayer, and a very special friend Joan Halteman.
     In lieu of flowers, memorials Toni's honor may be made to the wishes of the family. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.