William "Tony" Anthony Stuhr

William Anthony Stuhr, or W.A.S. as his favorite belt buckle read, was lovingly known as Tony, Tone, Will, Tony Baloney and Bones, was born and raised in Yakima, Washington. He spent most of his life in Washington with short stints in Arizona for school and in Oklahoma where he worked, rode a couple of bucking horses (much to his mom’s dismay) and built close and everlasting ties with his cousins.

Tony was proud to be a heavy-duty diesel mechanic and took great gratification in his work, always referring to himself as a “heavy” with pride. He was a cowboy through and through, he loved a well-built black hat, a sharp belt buckle, some good lookin’ boots and of course his favorite truck. Tony was also an avid hunter, he loved nothing more than going turkey hunting with his bow and of course Cabela’s was his home away from home.

Tony had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh and share that laugh with others. If you saw Tony you would usually see some sort of statement on his shirt that would inevitably illicit a gasp followed by a chuckle, just as he intended. Those shirts were epic….and so was the generosity of his heart, Tony loved his family and close friends fiercely and considered them his greatest gift in life. He was often heard bragging about his sisters and his numerous nieces and nephews, he was proud to be part of a large family and cherished his time with all.

Tony was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2019, this began his long journey. Throughout this time he was surrounded by his mom and sisters, his close friends and his extended family.

By the hand of God, we were guided to Garden Village for Tony’s care, and it was the best thing that could have happened to Tony and to us as a family. From day one they took Tony in and truly cared for him, had caregivers that treated him like he mattered and with dignity and respect. We want to publicly acknowledge and thank the entire family of caregivers and all staff through the years at Garden Village. Their compassion was not only impactful to Tony but to us as a family as well, it gave us so much peace to know they cared for him as we did. We, as a family, cannot thank them enough for all of the kindness and care they so lovingly extended, not only to Tony, but to all of the residents.

One of the greatest moments of Tony’s life was when he was baptized. He would gladly tell anyone and everyone about this impactful event and his faith in Jesus, always with the biggest smile across his face.

The knowledge that Tony was a believer and was saved gave his family so much peace in his passing, knowing he would joyfully be in the presence of God, surrounded by his friends and family, and able to move freely from his earthly body.

Quoting from Timothy Keller, pastor and author: “You will find that the worst things that have ever happened to you will (in the end) only enhance your eternal delight. The joy of glory will be much greater for every scar you bear.”

And, of course, from the Holy Bible - 2 Timothy 4:7-8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness , which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…”

Tony, you have indeed fought the good fight, the glory and delight of the Lord is yours to enjoy.

We love you Tony and will see you in eternity.