Tonya Leigh Thornton, 50, was born March 11, 1967 in Covington, Kentucky and passed on to Eternal Life on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 peacefully in her home from complications due to ALS.
Tonya grew up in Fort Mitchell and was a lifelong resident of Northern Kentucky and graduated from Scott high school in 1988. Tonya’s warm heart and bright smile touched many including her teammates and dedicated care providers, collectively known as Team Tonya. She enjoyed sports and was an active participant with Northern Ky Special Olympics winning many awards and medals. Tonya loved track & field, bowling and basketball and was especially proud to be the captain of the Alley Cats basketball team. Tonya loved her job maintaining 25 years of loyal service with Frisch’s in Fort Wright. Tonya was a member of Crescent Springs Baptist Church. Tonya loved going to church and helping with the church nursery especially carrying around the babies. Tonya and her kind-heart, bright blue eyes and always present beautiful smile will be deeply missed.
Tonya is preceded in death by her father Bobby Thornton and her brother Vaughn Thornton. Tonya is survived by her Mother, Ethel Thornton; Co-guardian Michele Fisk; Niece, Grace Lee Thornton; Sister-in-law, Kay Thornton-Williams (Kevin); several Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, many friends as well as several dedicated caregivers.
Services will be held on Tuesday, August 8 at Linnemann Funeral Home in Erlanger, KY. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1:30 with services beginning at 1:30. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Northern Ky Special Olympics.
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Address: 3227 Dixie Hwy ERLANGER, KY 41018Tonya will be missed
I am sorry couldn’t make it Aunt Ethel and to everyone see everyone on this day to celebrate a special and wonderful person Cousin Tonya was she touched everyone’s hearts even though I didn’t see as much of her she always put a smile on face. I am so happy that she had so many family members to be around to help her enjoy life to the fullest. I love you all and I know Tonya is happy being up there in the heavens with her Daddy and Vaughn again and is watching over us all. Your all in my prayers.
Lisa Thornton Droste
church
i went to church with u an you where just the sweetest lady anyone could meet u always knew how to brighten up my day can`t belive ur gone but u will never be forgotten u were like family to me an i glad i met u we use to talk about anything an everything <3
During basketball season
Im gonna miss you Tonya very much i remember meeting you 1st time and became friend when i join the Alley Cats basketball team i would always had fun when we would gaurd each other during basketball practice when basketball season came round and you would always made me smile even i was down and when i seen you sick last year during basketball season it hurt me knowing you was not able to play and now your gone it hurt me more knowing your not going to be round anymore make me sad when i found out you had left us but at least i know your not in pain and suffering anymore im just lost with words that your not here its gonna be hard seeing you laying in your pretty casket on Tues but im still gonna see your smile as your laying there im gonna miss you Tonya Fly High til i see you again
Tonya you will be greatly missed !!
Ethel, Kay & Grace,
Our family was blessed to have Tonya in our lives. Holidays at the Robbins house won’t be the same without Tonya. Loved the way Tonya loved on all the kids and animals in the family. Will miss Tonya’s beautiful smile and watching her play basketball and bowling with the Special Olympics. Tonya had such a kind heart and was always willing to help out in any way she could.
Love you ….. Shotty & Howard Naberhaus
Tonya we will miss your smil
Ethel, Kay, and Grace:
So very sorry for your loss of Tonya. My God wrap his loving arms around you and give you comfort during this difficult time. Tonya is having the time of her life with her father and big brother Vaughn. She is no longer in pain and can do the things she wasn’t able to do here on earth. We will all be together again soon.
love you all
Bart, Carol, Zachary, and Kyle
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