Tonya L. Atherton

Tonya L. Atherton, 71, of Cherryvale, Kansas passed away Monday morning, January 7, 2019 at her home with family by her side.

Tonya Lynette Atherton was born October 12, 1947 in Neodesha, Kansas the daughter of Kenneth L. Gillespie and Thelma (Taylor) Gillespie. She grew up in Neodesha and graduated from Neodesha High School in 1965. She also attended Independence Junior College and graduated with an Associate’s Degree.

On June 14, 1970 in Neodesha, Kansas she was united in marriage to Sam Atherton and he survives at the home.

In her earlier years she worked for Stevie Toggs in Neodesha and Bank Note in Fredonia, Kansas. She retired as a secretary after 24 years with Cherryvale USD #447 in 2011.

Tonya loved to read, plant flowers, watching HGTV and western movies. She also enjoyed walking on the beach in Galveston, Texas. She cherished her time with her grandchildren and going to all their activities. Family meant the world to her and she saw the good in everyone.

She was a member of the Cherryvale Christian Church.

Survivors include her husband Sam of the home, mother, Thelma Gillespie of Lake Jackson, Texas, daughter, Amy Allen (Robert John) of Cherryvale, Kansas, son, Stacy (Jessica) Atherton of Chanute, Kansas, sister, Tina (Jeff) Fattig of Lake Jackson, Texas, grandchildren, Grady Allen, Harley Allen, Crosby Allen, Brantly Allen, Emma Atherton, Eli Atherton, sister in law, Sharon (Rolly) Buitre, brother in law, Jim (Marlene) Harkness, nieces, Meggin Buitre, Beth Harkness, nephews, Casey Fattig, Shaun Fattig and Brendan Fattig.

She was preceded in death by her father and brother, Terry Gillespie.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Wickham Family Funeral Home, 216 East 4th, Cherryvale, Kansas.

Celebration of Life Funeral Services will be held 10:00 A.M., Friday, January 11, 2019 at Cherryvale Christian Church, 318 East Main, Cherryvale, Kansas.

Interment will follow the service at Koger/Cheatham Cemetery west of Neodesha.

Memorial remembrances are suggested to the Cherryvale Public Library and they may be left or mailed to the funeral home.