Tonya Ann Barker, 81, Royal Center, passed away Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis, after succumbing to the effects of a stroke suffered on Nov. 21.

True to her nature, she fought it to the end. Tonya often gave to others without thought for her own needs. Her home was her sanctuary, where family, friends and her children's friends spent time to escape their daily hardships. She had a caring and kind heart, as well as an abundance of concern for her family and friends. Tonya embraced the little things in life that God provided, like the sunsets and how beautiful the moon looked. She will be dearly missed.

Born on Nov. 26, 1935 in Royal Center, she was the daughter of the late Courtland Eugene and Mary Jalyne (Behny) Pherson and was a 1953 graduate of Royal Center High School. She was baptized at the Baptist Christian Church in Royal Center on April 18, 1965.

Tonya enjoyed going to Tuesday morning coffee and book club at the Royal Center Library and spending time with friends. She was an avid fan and supporter of Indiana University, where she also enjoyed tailgating for sporting events. She also enjoyed taking care of her flowers and yard, but she loved spending time with her family most of all, especially all her grandchildren. She had a love of horses, her cats and babies. She also was determined to complete crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles to keep her mind sharp. Tonya retired from Elco Industries in Logansport and was a homemaker.

Survivors include her children, Tony Hershberger (Diana) of Logansport, Sherry Doran of Logansport, Candy Tuttle (Paul) of Royal Center, Lory Hughes of Logansport and Ann Kizer (Bob) of Indianapolis; sister, Sharon Bundy (Dick) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; grandchildren, Kelly Henry (Kristi), Tom Risley, April Penn (Ryan), Lacey Miller, Ashley Miller, Austin Hughes, Reece Kizer and Heath Kizer; and great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Kassidy, Kyle, Peyton, Gracie, Noah, Bentley, Colton and Khloe.

She was preceded in death by her infant son, Mark David Hershberger.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Harrison-Metzger-Rans Funeral Home, Royal Center, with Pastor John Drexler officiating. Burial will be at Kistler Cemetery, Royal Center.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cass County Humane Society.

Please sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence for the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com