Tonya Elaine Shaffer

Tonya was born on December 8, 1970, in Lamar, Colorado to Vickie and John Wait. Younger sister Michelle soon followed. Vickie was later remarried to Hoyt Estep. Hoyt adopted Tonya and Michelle. Little brother Luke followed some years later, and the entire family settled in Vilas, Colorado, where her mother was also raised.

Tonya attended Vilas High School where she had many friends. She participated in sports and Cheerleading, graduating in 1989.

Tonya is married to the love of her life, William Michael Shaffer. This is a love for all time, and they had great plans for their future. They lived in Greeley, Colorado where they shared a home filled with much love, which included 4 dogs, a bunny and a few chickens.

Tonya is proud mother to her cherished daughter Paige Emblen (Austin), from a previous marriage, who has blessed her with 4 beautiful grandchildren, Brinley, Azley, Rayley and Jace.

For the last 5 years Tonya worked for Hanger Clinic in Greeley, Colorado, where she was a respected and valued employee.

Tonya lived a life full of love of animals, people, crafts and simply sharing her love and humor with others.

Tonya had a perpetual smile, great sense of humor and kindest of hearts. She never met a stranger and could literally talk to just about anyone for hours. She was well known for wanting to rescue any animal that needed it and then wanted to just keep them. Thus the 4 dogs, bunny and chickens at her home.

Tonya is survived by her Husband William Shaffer, Daughter Paige (Austin) Emblen, Grandchildren Brinley, Azley, Rayley, and Jace. Stepdaughters Brittany Shaffer and Ashleigh Poteet, Grandchildren James and Maverick. Mother Vickie Estep, Father Hoyt (Jodell) Estep, Sisters Michelle (Mark) Miranda, Charity Velazquez, Acey Dunivan and Debbie Crestin. Brothers Luke Estep, TJ Wait and Kip Kliewer. Sister-in-law Lynde (Eddie) Sales. Mother-in-law Darla Trujillo. Family by choice Kelly (Tom) Meigel and Josie Schaller.

Tonya is preceded in death by her Father John Wait, Stepmother Joyce Wait, Father-in-Law George Trujillo. Grandparents Myrl and Olive Greenlee, Lorene Mason, Dewayne Estep, Wilma and John Kuntz and Niece by choice Bailey Irwin.

Tonya leaves behind many other cherished aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

Her departure is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others “adopted” into her life along the way.

The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time and ask that in Lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to the MidAmerican Boston Terrier Rescue (MABTR). www.adoptaboston.com