Tonya Dee Wells

Tonya Dee Wells went home to heaven peacefully on Saturday, May 22, 2021 surrounded by family, prayer, and her favorite music. She was a dedicated Christ-follower, a loving wife, and an incredible mother to her three children and many others. Tonya is remembered for her kindness, wisdom, grace, faith, being a great listener, opening her home to anyone, and loving like Jesus. 

Tonya was born on August 3rd, 1963 in Des Moines, Iowa. She was actively involved as a member of Christ Church Lake Forest and Christ Church Vernon Hills for over 30 years, where she led small groups, mentored many, hosted a weekly college-age Bible study, and served generously. Tonya brought with her an air of love, comfort, warmth, and beauty to every space she entered in the ways she created room in conversation. She was endlessly empathetic, allowed God to speak through her, and cultivated her home, garden, and flowers for the benefit of others. Her brilliant aptitude for math and organization served her well in her care for people and in her successful career as a Fellow in the Society of Actuaries. She humbly used her sharp mind to carefully think through the best ways to love people where they are and lead them to be more like Christ. Tonya’s selfless love and thoughtfulness was evident in her deep care for family, friends, and the people in her life. Tonya, Mrs. Wells, Mom, and Grandma will be missed by many, but we are grateful that she left us with the incredible impact she has had on our lives.

Tonya is survived by her dearly beloved family: her cherished husband of 33 years, Steve Wells; their three children, Jessica (Matthew) Brown, Rachel (Wesley) Laytham, and Nate (Ari) Wells; and four grandchildren, Eliza Brown, Ella Wells, Lydia Brown, and River Wells. She is also survived by her mother, Jan Klinker; her sister, Nancy (Tim Hayden) Merritt; her brother, Mike (Kris) Klinker; and many more loved ones in the body of Christ.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 5th at 10:30am at Christ Church Lake Forest, 100 North Waukegan Road (Rt. 60 & Rt. 43) Lake Forest, Illinois.  All are welcome, and light refreshments will be served after the service for anyone who wants to visit. 

In honor of Tonya please wear easter or colorful attire to her memorial service.

Donations in Tonya's honor may be made to:

Christ Church (Vernon Hills Campus)

100 N Waukegan Road

Lake Forest, IL 60045

Online Via our Christ Church app or at christchurchil.org/give

Choose 'Give Now' and select the 'VH - Tonya Wells Celebration' as your Giving Reference. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXrkrSAaru0

Photos from funeral: https://taywilphotography.pixieset.com/wells/

We are collecting videos from anyone who would like to share memories or words about Tonya. If you would like to share, please visit Flipgrid.com/cf3eac8f and use the username tonyadee to record and submit a video. Feel free to share this with anyone who you think would be interested.

Full funeral service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v25eQVerL1E

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tonya Dee Wells, please visit our floral store.