Tonya Avila Obituary

Tonya M. Avila

Tonya M. Avila, 56, of Lakeview, passed away Sunday morning, November 2, 2025, at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus.

Tonya was born October 11, 1969, in Kenton, the daughter of the late Richard "Dick" Gobrecht and Vera (Frey) Gobrecht, who survive in Forest.

She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Sparrow Williams and a few cousins and close friends.

Tonya is survived by a daughter, Len (Dennis) Williams of Plymouth; a son, Orey Richard (Jocelyn Risner) Gobrecht of Forest; two grandsons, Bentley Ferrara and Matteo Gobrecht; a sister, Amy (Kelsey) Heard of Toledo; three nieces, Kayla Heard, Hannah Avila, and Brynna Avila; two nephews, KJ Heard and Tyler Avila; her best friend, Holly Cope; and her furbabies, Memphis, Maggie, and Winnie.

Tonya was a 1988 graduate of Riverdale High School, where she was a majorette and cheerleader. She earned her associate degree in respiratory therapy from the University of Toledo. Tonya was a former firefighter and EMT. She currently worked for Respiratory Care Partners in Columbus as a traveling respiratory therapist. Tonya enjoyed reading, hiking, and showing horses when she was younger. Tonya was a kind and compassionate person who loved her job and helping those she found in need. Tonya's kindness extended to her love for animals and her knack for finding wildlife to rescue. Tonya's sense of humor and infectious laugh made her a joy to be around. Tonya's greatest joy came from her family, whom she loved dearly and the time she got to spend with them. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her.

A celebration of Tonya's life will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Tonya's memory to Crows Hollow Wildlife Care, 19230 OH-739, Richwood, OH 43344 or Logan County Animal Shelter, c/o Behind the Badge Volunteers Inc, 284 County Road 32 S, Bellefontaine, OH 43311.

Arrangements are in the care of Shoffstall Funeral Home, Lakeview.

Condolences may be expressed at shoffstallfuneralhome.com.