Ariel Elizabeth Tonkel

Ariel Elizabeth Tonkel, age 23, of Swanton, Ohio passed away Friday afternoon, November 10, 2023 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Toledo with her parents by her side.  She was born May 10, 2000 in Sylvania, Ohio to Robert Tonkel and Melissa (Ortiz) Mulligan. Ariel was a 2018 graduate of Anthony Wayne High School.

Entering this world, Ariel was born as she lived amongst the strong winds of a tornado.  We should have known she would be a force to be reckoned with and would live an authentic, colorful life her way until her last day. Ariel lived her short life to the fullest, passionately loving and following music/musicians across the United States.  Shared with her love of music was her artistic ability in art, writing, nature, researching mushrooms,  literary composition and challenging herself to read nearly 75 books annually. Ariel had the uncanny ability of reaching people in a deep and positive way.  She held tightly to and fiercely loved her circle of friends that ranged from Ohio to Scotland.  Anyone who truly knew Ariel would agree that she never shied away from conflict, especially if conflict meant standing by her feelings and beliefs.  Ariel always provided time and space to be educated by the conclusion of conflict.  Cystic Fibrosis challenged Ariel in many aspects of her life.  Albeit, she never complained or was afraid to confront obstacles that were presented to her due to CF.  Her strife and grit for life allowed for wonderful memories that created goals for her to cherish throughout the course of her disease process. She fought valiantly and heroically making her stance in deciding when Hospice was appropriate.  Ariel shared her spirit and light with so many people, and will be deeply missed.  Confidently as Ariel was always preparing, she made her wishes and contributions made known to her loved ones. As a family, our priority will be to ensure her wishes or contributions are granted accordingly.  We would like to thank her circle of friends and comrades who continued to “show-up” even during the tough times.  Also, a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Hospice NWO, for their relentless compassion, dignity, and humanity that Ariel was truly in need of those final days.  We will be forever grateful. 

Ariel is survived by her mother, Melissa (John) Mulligan; father, Robert Tonkel; brother, Ethan Tonkel; grandmothers, Elizabeth Tonkel and Anita Ortiz; an Aunt, Uncle and cousins. She also leaves behind her beloved canines, Jesse and Kosmo.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Frank Tonkel and Sergio Ortiz.

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 18th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton, where funeral services will begin at 1:00 pm, with Pastor Mary Ann Reimund presiding.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.