Toni C. and Hayes B. Waltman, Sr.
Died October 29, 2021
Toni C. Waltman, age 74, and her husband, Hayes B. “Ham Bone” Waltman, Sr., age 75, of Wilmington, DE, passed away together as a result of an automobile accident on Friday, October 29, 2021.
Born in Northampton County VA, on October 4, 1947, Toni was a daughter of the late Ruby (Timberlake) and Eugene Gragg. After graduating from Alexis I. duPont High School, she started her career in sales. Once they started a family, Toni continued to work part time while devoting her attention to her family. She loved being a homemaker and especially liked to cook for her friends and family. Toni will be remembered by her family for purchasing a new sofa almost every year.
Born in Wilmington, DE, on January 27, 1946, Hayes was a son of the late Sara E. (Kane) and Harry R. Waltman, Sr. He dedicated 38 years to the Brandywine School District. Hayes was a jack of all trades and could fix just about anything. He was an avid Phillies and Steelers fan and enjoyed watching western movies and crabbing on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Hayes was a kind man who was always giving of his time to others. He liked making pickles and made sure everyone had a jar. Known for being a prankster, Hayes could always make you laugh. Most of all, he loved to surround himself with family and friends.
Of all the lives that Toni and Hayes touched, their proudest achievement was marrying and caring for each other and their families.
In addition to their parents, Toni was preceded in death by her sister, Judy Gragg and Hayes was preceded in death by his siblings, Harry Waltman, Louise Kennedy, Helen Bradley, Peggy McCallister, Sissy Waltman, and Butch Waltman. Together, they will be dearly missed by their children, Hayes Waltman, Jr. (Tina), Roxanne Lundberg (Keith), Michelle Rex (Dave), Jacquelyn Johnson (Frank); Toni’s siblings, Phyllis Carson (Richard), Robert Gragg (Candace), Genia Adamson, John Gragg, and Michael Gragg; Hayes’s siblings, Richard Waltman and Patricia Taylor; 13 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren, with 2 on the way.
A joint visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 pm until 2 pm on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a memorial service will be held at 2 pm. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Trish and James Park
Our condolences to the family of these wonderful people! They will be missed. Always a great fun time when they were there! Prayers and hugs!
Melissa A.
Mr. Ben and Miss Toni were wonderful neighbors, to say the least. I was welcomed to the neighborhood a couple years ago with a freshly baked pound cake and hand written note with their phone number on it, should I never need anything. During the snowy winters I often caught Mr. Ben out early shoveling sidewalks and cleaning off cars for their neighbors. Both always on the go and always smiling! I enjoyed sharing Mr. Ben’s “award winning pizzelles” with my family and hearing Miss Toni compliment me on my attempts to make my fall decor stand out in the front yard. They were the welcome wagon to our street and will certainly be missed by many.
To the Waltman family, friends and loved ones I send my condolences and please know they set the standard for what a good neighbor is and that is something I will remember forever.
John DiCamilla
I will never adjust to this loss. Great Friends and the best people I have ever had the pleasure to know. May God look after their family.
Jacquelyn Johnson
I don’t even know how to go on with out yall..the pain is beyond unbearable..y’all belong here with me..I love y’all so very much..I miss y’all .
I just want to feel your hugs and hear I love you….I want to laugh together like we always did when we spent time together…just so much that I can’t even put into words..
I love y’all always..😥💔
Lorraine
Benny and Tina I love you.
Amber Johnson
Mom mom , Pop pop
I truly love and miss you too no end! I’m forever going to miss anything and everything about you two. You guys are the best and will always be in my heart. Thank you for all the memories I cherish of both of you.
Scott Guyer
I am so sorry for your guys loss. I can only imagine your pain. You guys are in our prayers. I remember so many good times growing up and there the times I’ll try and talk about when I talk about the Waltmans and family!!
Shelly hanna
With deepest condolence to the family love all
Dickerson Peggy
I have known u must of my whole life ,Ues were like my second parents ,spend a many of nite over yur house with your daughters ,Me n Jackie were always the closest, I have alot of wonderful, great memories, that I’ll always have to share n think back on ,my heart is so heavy, can’t believe ues r gone . My deepest sympathy n prayers for The Waltmen family ,Take yur rest now BEN N TONI ,I WILL NEVER FORGET UES ,LUV N MISS U GUYS.
Tina Harpe/ McAllister
After Aunt Helen passed , I missed our time that we had with you guys coming over and playing cards going to your Christmas parties …. Aunt Toni was a great cook… uncle Benny did always make people laugh, my son Michael was always afraid of him because he was so tall .. lol. It was great times and won’t ever forget it ! Love you Uncle Benny and Aunt Toni… say hi to my mom for me💜 🙏🏼
Brandon Szczesiak
Ben and Toni were my neighbors for the last ten years on Clayton road.We moved in May but my wife and I still kept in touch with them.They were great people,they helped out all the neighbors whenever they could.Really going to miss seeing them.Rip
Janet Harkins
Condolences to the family and friends of a couple that gave from their hearts. They lived their lives with joy and love. Not just their love for each other, but their love for all of us. How lucky we are to have had them in our lives and it was an honor to have called Ben and Toni our friends. We will never forget their kindness and Saturday morning breakfast will never be the same without them. Bonnie, Joyce, Bev, Janet
Christine Joswick Clements
We are all still in shock of the loss and Ben & Toni, we are so sorry for the loss of your parents and family. Our family was lucky enough to share many years of friendship with Ben and Toni and family and sharing many great memories on Columbia Ave. When they say God only takes the best, he sure did with these two wonderful people. May God rest their souls and keep them safe with the angels ❤❤
Mr. & Mrs. Philip G. Marinelli Sr.
Dear Hayes,
Thinking of you and yours at this most tragic time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. RIP Mr. & Mrs. Waltman.
Sincerely,
Mary & Phil Marinelli (Sara’s mom & dad)
Cynthia Ventresca
My deepest condolences to Ben and Toni’s family. They were such wonderful people and the best neighbors anyone could ever have. I have lived next to them for 24 years and there is not enough room in this guest book to write everything I feel but Ben and Toni — I miss you so much…also miss Lily and Jake out in the yard looking up at me when I peered out the window or came outside. Ben (or Ham), gardening will never be the same without having you to talk with over the fence about our tomatoes and peppers, and Toni, we will miss your delicious homemade breads and pies!!! I will take good care of Hopie and am absolutely honored to have her. The lights have gone out on our block. RIP. We can take some comfort in that you are still together, as always. To their families — may their love keep you and hold you.
Edward (Ears) Brainard
I’m so sorry for your loss, they will greatly missed at Defiance.
BRUCE MALATESTA
I’m so sorry for your loss, with deepest condolence to the family and friends
Libby Ward
I was shocked to hear that two people had passed in an accident on Centerville Rd. When I heard it was Toni and Hayes I could not believe it. I worked with Toni at the Riverfront Market for many years. She was small in stature but mighty in personality and a hard worker. Met Hayes a few times when he came into the market. A wonderful and loving couple with the same love of family. My condolences to their family and know they will be dearly missed.
Charles W DeShields
My prayers and condolences go out to family.
Donna Sadowski
No words can tell how much our 35 years of friendship and memories meant to me and my husband and grown children. They were truely family to us. I will miss my weekly morning coffee visit. Love them so much. May God look after their wonderful family and give them strength.
April Wallis
Sending condolences to the entire Waltman family. I used to work with Hayes Jr and you just knew how much family meant to him by talking to him. I’ll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. May the memories you have comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Cindy hanna
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏 ❤
Patrick Babby
Ben & Toni,
I will always be grateful for everything you have ever done for me. You have been there for me no matter what. I will miss Ben’s humor and Toni’s sweet smile and kindness. I love you guys and will always cherish the wonderful memories I have of you!! Rest now peacefully and I will see you again someday.
Love Always,
Pat