Tonya J. Knopf
Tonya J. Knopf, 75, of Erie, PA has peacefully gone to be with the Lord and her beloved son, Darrin, on Monday, April 12, 2021.
It pains me to admit it, but apparently, I have passed away. Everyone told me it would happen one day but that's simply not something I wanted to hear, much less experience. Once again, I didn't get things my way! Thats been the story of my life all my life.
And while on that subject....
Tonya was born in Oil City, PA on July 1, 1945, a daughter to the late John B. (Charlotte) Shouey and Sarah E. Bunnell Shouey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Darrin DeWayne Stahlman.
Those who knew her well appreciated her quirky, sarcastic sense of humor and her kind soul. Tonya fiercely loved her family, especially her grandsons. She also had a special love for her cats, Elvis, Diet Coke, line dancing, painting her nails, using vocal expressions, and Nascar. Her unforgettable presence will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Tonya will be greatly missed by her family, which includes her dearly loved twin daughters, Kerriann (Matt) Ehman of Pittsburgh, PA and LeAnn Stahlman (Jim Maphis) of Erie, PA; three grandsons, Darrin Ehman, and Jimmy and Maxx Maphis, and a granddaughter Juliana Ehman; three brothers, Dan Shouey, Tim (Jen) Shouey of Exeter, NH, and John (Mary) Shouey of Dillsburg, PA; one sister, Lisa (Jim) Hughes of Waterford, PA; and many nieces and nephews.
If you want to, you can look for me in the early morning sunrise with the earliest spring flowers or amongst deer and the flittering and fluttering of the cardinal. You know I'll be there in one form or another.
Of course that will probably comfort some while antagonizing others, but you know me...it's what I do.
Please don't cry because I am gone; instead be happy that I was here. (Or maybe you can cry a little bit. After all, I have passed away dah).
Love to all.
Family and close friends will celebrate her life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Humane Society (2407 Zimmerly Rd, Erie, PA 16506) or Grace Church (7300 Grubb Rd, McKean, PA 16426).