Tonya Lea Monden

Tonya Lea Monden, 61, passed away on Friday, February 3, 2023. She was born in Gainesville, TX on July 21, 1961 to James Weldon Lyons and Ruby Jeanette Rauls.

Tonya was a beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, friend, and mentor. Upon graduating Magna Cum Laude from Texas Tech University, Tonya devoted her life to becoming an accomplished Educator. Beginning at Slidell High School then moving to Lake Dallas Middle and High Schools. After 34 years of teaching and receiving numerous awards such as Teacher of the Year Tonya retired. Whenever she was not teaching, Tonya loved spending her time with her family and friends. She always brought everyone around her happiness and joy. She was also an accomplished seamstress, crafter, home and interior designer, gardener, and a passionate Red Raider alumni and fan.

Tonya was diagnosed in 2015 with ALS. It would be wrong to say that Tonya lost her battle with ALS after 7 years because she never stopped fighting. No matter how difficult, she was always positive and determined. Through her, we all know what perseverance and resilience truly looked like.

She is survived by her husband Randy Monden, Mother Ruby Lyons, son Chad Monden (Nichole) of Killeen, grandkids Chase and Carleigh, brother Richard Lyons (Julie) of Aledo, brother Terry Lyons (Susan) of Colleyville, and brother Kyle Lyons (Mitzi) of Willis, TX, as well as many nieces and nephews. Her family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Tonya Lyons Monden Future Educator Scholarship at https://www.lakecitiesed.com/donate . (The specific endowment can be selected during the checkout process)

She was preceded in death by her father, James Weldon Lyons.

A visitation will be held at the Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton on Friday, February 10, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home in Gainesville starting at 1:30 PM.  Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.  The family asks that we celebrate Tonya by wearing her favorite colors of red and black to the service.

Please place flower orders directly through a local florist.

https://www.geojcarroll.com/florists