Tonya Marie (Martin) Bailey passed away on June 5, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, after a heroic five-year battle with cancer. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her and a true embodiment of unconditional love, hope and kindness.
Tonya was born on Jan. 11, 1962, in Chehalis, Washington, to her parents, Douglas F. and Sharon E. (Rice) Martin. She spent her early life residing in Centralia, Washington. She attended Centralia High School, where she ran varsity track as a sprinter and where she graduated in 1980. After high school, Tonya started her own day care, Casper’s Corner, in Centralia. She met her husband, Christopher C. (“Chris”) Bailey, while she was in high school and closed the business to move with him to Seattle after they married on Aug. 13, 1983.
They were married for over 40 years at the time of her death. Tonya continued to work in day care and then retail until the birth of their son, Brennan, in January 1990.
Tonya loved her family with her whole heart. She also collected many dear friends along the way. Tonya was proud of her family and gave each member incredible support. She was an animal lover and found joy in being with them. But perhaps her greatest joy came from spending time with her six beautiful grandchildren.
Tonya is survived by her mother, Sharon (Martin) Mitchell; brother, Chad A. Martin, and his wife, Kaycee; husband, Chris; son, Brennan F. Bailey, and his wife, Ashley; and “honorary daughter,” Geah (Betts) Strohbach, and her husband, Lucas. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Isla I. Bailey (age 4), Idris L. Bailey (age 4), Indy F. Bailey (age 2) and “honorary grandchildren,” Hudson M. Strohbach (age 9), Hazel G. Strohbach (age 7), and Hope M. Strohbach (age 4). Tonya was also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Tonya’s life for all family and friends will be held at The Shire restaurant in Chehalis from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate in her memory to Toledo Community Foundation, P.O. Box 638 Toledo, Washington, 98591, (https://www.toledowafoundation.com/) to support Toledo schools, or to Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, Campbellville, Ontario, Canada, (https://www.happilyeveresther.ca/).
