Life story

" In Loving Memory of Toby Jo Ingram (Burns)
April 27, 1958 – May 4, 2026
With profound sadness and immense love, we announce the passing of Toby Jo Ingram Burns, who departed this life on May 4, 2026, at the age of 68, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on April 27, 1958, In Mesa Arizona Toby was the beloved daughter of the late Agnes Burns and Jimmy Burns. Raised in Anchorage, she attended and graduated from West High School, where many of her fondest memories were made. She often spoke lovingly of spending time at the Elderberry park near her childhood home she cherished so deeply ordained with beautiful lilac trees raspberry bushes and Irises . As a young woman, Toby was blessed to travel the world alongside her mother, experiences that helped shape her adventurous spirit and deep appreciation for people and life.
Toby wore many titles throughout her life — mother, grandmother, caregiver, friend, Christian, mentor, and protector — but above all, she was love in human form. She dedicated her life to caring for others both personally and professionally. As a devoted PCA and office worker, Toby continued serving and helping people even while bravely fighting cancer, showing strength and grace until the very end.
A lifelong Christian, Toby lived her faith daily. She believed in kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and unconditional love, not only through her words but through every action she took. She was truly a beacon of Christ’s love to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Toby never met a stranger and had a gift for making everyone feel seen, welcomed, and loved. She was a mother not only to her own children but to countless others she lovingly claimed as her own over the years.
Toby’s greatest joy in life was her family. She leaves behind her beloved children: Bradley Ingram and wife Julie Ingram, Heather Wells, Christy Dewan, Shannon Mitchell, and Melissa Smith. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Jayden, Isaiah, Lily, Braxton, Casey, JJ, Leah, and her fur babies James and Guinness, each of whom brought endless joy to her heart. Nothing made Toby happier than spoiling her grandchildren and spending precious moments with those she loved most.
She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, extended family members, and dear friends spread across the United States who will forever carry her memory in their hearts. She was preceded in death by her parents, Agnes and Jimmy Burns, and her brother, Tom Walker.
Toby had many passions that brought beauty and laughter into the lives of those around her. She loved music deeply and was known for her beautiful singing voice, passing that love of music on to her children and everyone around her. She enjoyed sports, gardening, cooking, and traveling — especially trips to visit lighthouses, which brought her great peace and happiness. Family and friends will forever smile remembering Toby’s famous burnt garlic bread, served with love every time.
To know Toby was to know kindness, warmth, and selflessness. She gave endlessly of herself and never hesitated to help someone in need. During her illness, she was surrounded by a village of loving friends and family — people she considered sisters and brothers — who cared for her tirelessly and loved her deeply. Their support was a testament to the extraordinary impact Toby had on so many lives.
Though our hearts are broken by her loss, we find comfort in knowing that Toby’s love, faith, and beautiful spirit will continue to live on through the countless people she touched. Her legacy is one of compassion, strength, generosity, laughter, music, and unwavering devotion to family. "