Tashina Marie Stoker

Tashina Marie Stoker passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her devoted husband and loved ones; she was 41 years old. After courageously battling breast cancer since January 2018, she ultimately succumbed to the disease. Tashina’s life was defined by selflessness, love, and unwavering faith.

Born in Murray, Utah, Tashina grew up in Midland, Michigan, in a loving family with three siblings. She was blessed with abundant talents and excelled in all aspects of life. An outstanding student, Tashina received numerous academic awards and scholarships. She was also a gifted athlete, competing in basketball, soccer, and track, where she ran hurdles. Her passion for dance led her to victory with her Pom team in a state championship, and she was honored as a member of the Midland High School Homecoming Court. Tashina's love for the arts found expression in community theater, where she acted in numerous plays, sang, and danced. She was also skilled in piano and guitar and enjoyed photography and scrapbooking.

In 2001, Tashina began her studies at Brigham Young University (BYU), where she pursued a degree in Fitness and Wellness Management and developed a deep interest in anatomy. As a dedicated student, she worked as a teaching assistant at BYU's Human Anatomy Lab and volunteered for a medical relief mission to Haiti. She also led two annual Alzheimer’s fundraising walks. Tashina graduated from BYU in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science.

Tashina met her husband, Brandon, in BYU’s math lab in 2001. Their connection was instant, and their love blossomed into a deep, enduring partnership. Brandon often reflected on how he knew from the start that Tashina was his eternal companion, counting himself supremely blessed in the process. Many will attest to the glow Tashina had about her, and for Brandon it captivated his soul. Following a whirlwind romance, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2002.

Following Brandon’s commissioning as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, the couple traveled the world together, raising their family along the way. They lived in Texas, Nevada, South Korea, Hawaii, Ohio, and Colorado and visited destinations across the globe, including Mexico, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Spain, China, Thailand, and many parts of the U.S. Tashina, ever the adventurer, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with her father and toured the Holy Land with her mother, among other escapades.

Tashina found fulfillment in her professional life, working at Nellis Air Force Base’s Health and Wellness Center, where she prepared airmen for service and helped retirees improve their quality of life. She furthered her education by earning a Master of Science in Exercise Science from the California University of Pennsylvania. She was a certified personal trainer, and reveled in helping others achieve their health goals.

Among all her achievements, Tashina was most proud of the family she built with Brandon. Their children, Lanaya and Devon, were her greatest joys. She was a devoted mother, providing a safe home for her young ones to grow and prosper. Tashina taught them equal parts art and science, showing her love of creativity and passion for curiosity. Most importantly, Tashina taught her children who their Redeemer was.

Tashina was a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ, emulating His example in every facet of her life. She cultivated a Christ-centered home. She delighted in reading the scriptures and listening to uplifting talks and podcasts. Tashina lifted others daily in prayer and service. Despite her own health struggles, Tashina frequently sought others in need, helping them on their temporal and spiritual paths. She taught children in her church’s primary programs, sharing her love for the gospel.

Tashina’s diagnosis with Stage 3b Inflammatory Breast Cancer in January 2018 marked the beginning of an intense medical journey. Despite enduring surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted treatments, Tashina faced her illness with grace and determination. After a brief remission, her cancer returned in 2021, spreading to her brain, lungs, liver, and spinal cord. Though given just weeks to live at one point, Tashina defied the odds, extending her battle by three and a half years. Her perseverance and willingness to participate in experimental treatments will benefit countless women in the future. She fought not only for herself but for her family, especially her children, whom she loved fiercely.

In short, Tashina lived a selfless life. Her warmth, radiant smile, and genuine care for others endeared her to everyone who knew her. She was a loving wife, an amazing mother, and a devoted daughter of our Heavenly Father.

Tashina is survived by her loving husband of 22 years, Brandon; her cherished children, Lanaya and Devon; and her beloved dog, Skye. She is also survived by her mother, Linda, and stepfather, Robert Reid; her father, Scot, and stepmother, Niki Wheeler; her siblings, Natalie Delong, Sabrina Langdon, and Savannah Shelp; stepsisters, Rachael and Danielle Rapanos; stepbrothers, Connor and Niall Reid; parents-in-law, Michael and Rosemarie Stoker; as well as extended family, friends, and colleagues from every chapter of her life, including the members of "Team Tashina."

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 14, from 9 to 10 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 13210 Bandanero Dr., Peyton, CO 80831, with funeral services to follow. After the funeral, interment will take place at Eastonville Cemetery, followed by a luncheon back at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Tashina’s name to cancer foundations of choice or to the 529 educational savings plans for Lanaya and Devon. Donations can be made by visiting Ugift529.com and entering codes X4R-94E for Lanaya and 31G-A0U for Devon.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Tashina’s medical team at Kettering Cancer Center in Ohio, and the Colorado teams at Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, and Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care for their compassionate care.