Birth date: May 17, 1969 Death date: Feb 28, 2023
We are sad to announce the passing of Tonya Minerva Bellew, 53, of Highland City, FL, on February 28, 2023 after a very long battle with cancer. Born on May 17, 1969 in Kansas City, KS, to Elda and Howard Petrey, Tonya moved to L Read Obituary
1983, the year we met. You thought I was an airhead. Lol. I wasn't.
1984, the year we had a class together, but only for 2 weeks.
2 weeks, the amount of time it took for us to become close friends
Fast forward a few weeks and I was walking home from school taking side streets that seemed like they might provide some shade for my 2 mile hike and you yelled my name as I walked past your house.
You asked me to come sit awhile and cool off. So I did. This became an every day encounter which turned into me spending 3 hours with you every day after school when you didn't have to work. You made the best triple decker pb & j sandwiches and the best sweet tea. I still make my tea like you taught me. We loved each other hard and we fought. HARD. We once went almost 6 years not speaking. We vowed not to do that again. We could still finish each other's sentences and even convey our thoughts with just a look. You were so strong. You were so fierce. You were so loving. You were so kind. You were a fireball. You understood me in a way no one else can. Like how I hate crowds like you hated storms. Like how I hate to cry unless I'm alone and how I say inappropriate things when I'm anxious or nervous. I know how hard you fought to stick around for everyone else. I also know how tired you were. I remember when you accepted Christ as your Lord & Savior. How so much weight was lifted off your shoulders. Today, I saw how many lives you touched with the volume of people who came to pay their respects. I wish I could hold your hand one more time. I wish I could share one more laugh. I wish I could see one more smile and that twinkle in your eye.
2023, the year you were finally free of pain, free of cancer and transported to the gates of Heaven.
39, the number of years I had you in my life. Not long enough. But my what a gift.
I love you, Nonna.
Always & forever my bestie.
Michelle is my daughter and Tonya was her best friend. She went home with her almost every day after school in high school and I would pick her up after work. Tonya was thoughtful and kind and I loved her like a daughter. Rob, I pray that God will surround you and your family with his angels and bring you comfort and peace. Rest well Tonya. You are in your heavenly home now and are free from all pain. Love, Marla Summers.
