Toay, Ann Theres

Ann Theres Toay, age 78 of Monroe and formerly of Ridgeway died on Monday, January 19, 2026 at her home.  She was born on May 29, 1948 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Dodgeville to James Vernon and Frieda Elizabeth (Wiest) Toay.  Ann grew up in Ridgeway where she went to grade school, and then graduated from Dodgeville High School.  After graduation she moved to Madison where she found jobs cooking, but also mostly cleaning for homes and businesses which she really loved.  In later life she retired and moved to Monroe.  She could be secretive and independent.  She was an avid TV watcher.  Keeping her own house was not her strong suit despite jobs cleaning for others, but if you were a friend, you were a friend for life!  She loved doing puzzles, especially owl puzzles.  She enjoyed bowling weekly, and always went out to the Red Apple for waffles and strawberries.  Her sister Shirley has fond memories of taking care of her when she was a baby and also during her life.

Ann is survived by her sister, Shirley Sigg of Hollandale; four brothers, Tom (Janice) Toay of Cape Town, South Africa; Ray Toay of Richardson, Texas, Bill (Charlotte) Toay of Woodward, Oklahoma and Cyril (Gretchen) Toay of Richfield, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Margaret Esch; and her brother James Toay.

Burial will take place in the spring at the St. Bridget’s Cemetery in Ridgeway.  Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family.  Online memories and condolences can be shared with Ann’s family at saetherfuneralservice.com.