Tonya Splude

SEBAGO — Tonya Rose Splude, 38, of Sebago passed away on Friday, Sept. 18, 2015.

Tonya was born on June 5, 1977, in Gallup, N.M. She was the sixth child of Adolph and Rose June. We realized early in her life that she was so tiny and fragile, so she became affectionately known to all her family as “Yazhi,” which means “little one.” Tonya was full of life and personality. She had a familiar laugh and sense of humor that we knew was only Tonya. She completed grade school in Kaibeto, Ariz., as Salutatorian of her eighth grade class. She offered a fun and cheerful friendship to her classmates. She graduated from Page High School in May 1995 at the top of her class. She had a talent for intellectual learning, which made school easy for her. She continued her education at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Ariz. Her area of study was in Business Administration.

In her summer breaks, Tonya worked at Lake Powell Waheap Marina, where she met James Splude Jr. As Tonya and Jim’s relationship grew, she remained focused on her education and received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in May 1999. Following the completion of her education, she worked in various business-related positions for The National Park Service in Page, Ariz. She announced with great happiness to her family of her plans to marry Jim. They were married on April 14, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nev., with most of her family there. Tonya and Jim were blessed with the birth of Kristina Rose Splude on Nov. 22, 2007. She is the angel in their home.

Tonya and Jim decided to move closer to Jim’s family from Maine in 2010. Tonya loved the friendly atmosphere and beauty of their new home and community in Sebago since then. On Sept. 18, 2015, we said goodbye to our dear wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt and granddaughter. She will always be a part of our hearts and memories. Our faith comforts us in knowing that she has returned home to our Heavenly Father’s presence. We believe in eternal families, and that we are sealed on earth and look forward to reuniting with her again.

Visiting hours will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2105, at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, followed by a funeral service at 12 p.m. at The Church of Latter Day Saints, 29 Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery, South Portland. Online condolences may be shared at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com