Tonya L. Engel

Tonya Lynn Kniss Engel
1-10-65 to 7-27-2020
Tonya was called to heaven at the age of 55 on Monday, July 27th at 4:45 p.m. at Yavapai
Regional Medical Center West in Prescott Arizona with her mom, 3 sisters and nephew by
her side. She had multiple ailments but it was essentially a stroke that caused her death.
Tonya’s last activity before she was hospitalized was cooking for a friend. It was her very
nature to nurture and this is how she will be remembered by those who knew her best.
Tonya was born in San Diego at the Naval Medical Center. She was in the nursing field for
30 years where she was able to care for others. She enjoyed camping with her nieces and
nephews, crafting, singing karaoke, and going to rock concerts. Tonya is survived by her
mother Pauline Buchanan and stepfather Terry Buchanan, her father Gerald Kniss and
step-mother Marianne Kniss, siblings Rhonda Dulay, Malinda Sarmiento, Tami Wake, Tara
Ross, and Terry J Buchanan. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Braxton, Jordan,
Trever, Anthony, Jessica, Taylor, Andre, Tristin, Tyson, Alexis, Devin, Jaclyn, Jeremy, and
Nathaniel. Tonya is also survived by 12 great nieces and nephews, uncles and aunts,
cousins, close friends and her beloved dog, Petie. Tonya will be remembered by her nieces
and nephews as the “Cool Aunt Tonya”.
“Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease. I shall possess within the veil, A life
of joy and peace.” John Newton.
Song: https://youtu.be/6jXrmAKBBTU