
Antonia “Toni” Fruits, 70, passed away from health complications on Monday, October 18, 2021, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth.
She was born October 6, 1951, in San Bartolo de Berrios, Guanajuato, Mexico to Jesus and Maria Mendoza.
While working at Pilgrim Farm Pickle Plant in Plymouth, Toni met Garah Fruits. The two would wed in a traditional Spanish wedding on November 2, 1973, in St. Michael Catholic Church in Plymouth. She would sew dresses for her daughter as she grew, and Toni would turn her love of sewing and quilting into her dream, opening Country Quilting in Plymouth which she ran for over 40 years.
Toni was full of love. She had a giving spirit that could never be at rest. Her faith meant a great deal to her and attended Sunday mass at St. Adalbert Church in South Bend or St. Michael Church devotedly. Toni enjoyed leading by example, and taught others to care for one another with great respect, especially the elderly.
She enjoyed crafting and would often find things at garage sales that just needed a little love and elbow grease and would resell them. She enjoyed playing Bingo and making doll dresses and clothing items for friends and family.
Toni is survived by her husband, Garah, and daughter, Felena (Aaron) Chandler of Trafalgar, IN; grandson Darren; her father, Jesus of Plymouth; siblings: Martha (Steven) Wright, Jose Martin Mendoza, Connie Mendoza, Jesus Junior (Terri) Mendoza, Mary Oviedo Mendoza and Susi Mendoza as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Maria.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, October 25, 2021, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 612 N. Walnut Street with Fr. Fernando Jimenez officiating. Friends are welcome from 11 a.m. until the start of mass.
Burial will follow in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Adalbert Church 2505 W. Grace St., South Bend, IN 46619 or St. Michael’s Church, 612 N. Walnut Street, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Patricia Leech says
Gary & Felena and family of Toni,
I’m so sorry to hear of Toni’s passing. She always had a beautiful smile on her face and was a very kind & carring person.
D. Moya says
Felena and Garah,
We were sorry to hear of Toni’s passing. We have very fond memories of Toni and little Felena. We will miss Toni’s gentle spirit and soft-spoken word. We will remember Toni as graceful and loving person.
We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love to you, Toni. Que Dios te tenga en tu Santa Gloria. Descansa en paz.
Moya Family
Pam Claeys says
I knew Toni first from St. Stephen Church, then St. Casimer Church. She had such a great spirit in every thing she did. Always involved in “piggy raffles” and St. Teresa Society masses. What a kind lady. I think of her often and am so sorry for her loss.
Rose Salazar Eevin says
To the Fruits and Mendoza family my thoughts and prayers for your loss . Toni was an amazing person a good friend . I remember her beautiful smile she will be missed . Sincerely Rose Salazar Ervin
Judy, Barb, and Bill Bailey says
Garah and family, our prayers and condolences for your loss.