Ukiah teacher's death shocks community

As everyone has said Tonya was a very special teacher, sadly to say there are not a lot like her. Not only did her students treat her with respect, more importantly she respected her students, which empowered them to reach their highest potential. I saw personally how she turned the Ukiahilite over to them, trusted them to do a great job, and it was because of her trust in her students that the paper was such a success. I am saddened by her death as so many others are, but I am also saddened by the fact that so many future students will not have the opportunity to experience Tonya's positive influence that I saw with my daughter and her classmates. Tonya, you will be missed by many.

Tonya began teaching at Ukiah High School during my freshman year. Following high school she became a dear friend. I was glad to take part in the Relay for life with her and the 24 hour relay. She always went above and beyond to help every person she met. When I heard the news my heart felt heavy because the community had lost an individual that truly made Ukiah a better place. My son Brandom at Ukiah High School says, "Tonya was more than just a teacher, she was our friend, I will miss her." Tonya will be missed by many.

This is such a great shock!! Tonya was one of the few teachers who has always stuck in my head as a favorite!! I had just asked some of the graduates of 2009, if she was still at UHS, and bragging about what a great person she was! Tonya will be greatly missed!!!!!!!!!!

Ms. Sparkes was my journalism teacher for three years. I was the Editor of the paper last year and the year before i was the assistant editor. She was a blessing to all of her students. Her passing is unexpected and sad, however I know she would want everyone to live with the memory of her smile and kind heart and be the best they can be. That was her wish for all students. She saw their talents and tried hard to show them how to use them to their full potential. I will miss her dearly.
Caleb Broschat
Class 2009/Editor/Student/Friend

Thanks for everything you gave me, Tonya. Love from Seattle.

So very sorry to learn of Tonya's passing. Years and years ago she was so helpful with her input on our newspaper, The Main Street News. I always enjoyed our visits to her classroom and could see what a great and positive influence she was on her students. Our condolances to her many friends and her family.

Tonya,
We lost you on a Wednesday.. to have spent approx.4 years of Wednesday's with you in high school was a true blessing. You made being at school, and playing sports very enjoyable. My prayers are with you and your family.
Belinda

I have had the pleasure of knowing Tonya both personally as well as a professor in college. She was an excellent teacher and a dear friend that I will miss terribley. I managed to stay in touch with her; along with a few friends I made in English class.
My heart goes out to Sue and her family in this time of great sarrow and loss. I remember MANY good times at family get togethers and B-B-Q's at the Tollini's with our families there. May God bless you all and lessen your sarrows as we know she is in the arms of our Lord.
As a student I can tell you that if not for her love and support, I would of struggled more in class. She was a very dedicated teacher and loved what she did. And I want to Thank Shawnee for informing as soon as she knew about Tonya's passing.
To all that knew and loved Tonya, I send my heart felt condolences in this tragic news. She will misses a great deal!

Ms. Sparkes was a wonderful person and great teacher, she helped me a lot outside of school...she was there for you, which is hard to find in a teacher.

She will be greatly missed.

RIP

I was very saddened to hear of Tonya's passing. She has always been one of my favorite teachers and also one of my favorite people. She had such a genuinely kind and caring heart. She was more than a teacher to me, she was my friend. She could tell a story like no other. Her love for her family, friends, and students always was apparent. Her classes were enjoyable to not only her students but to her as well. May her family, friends, and all who knew her find comfort in their cherished memories.

Students and peers will miss you from both Ukiahi and Mendocino College... your smile and caring ways will be remembered... Thank You for taking care of my kids back in the day, during those long nights of editing the HiLite....and Journalism trips, coaching...you were an important part of their lives!

I will always remember her journalism classes and she will be greatly missed.

One of the good ones. Everything a teacher should be.

I was a student in Ms Sparks English class and then worked with her on the school paper my graduating year of 1994. In my case, and I'm sure others can speak to this as well, she became a friend as soon as she became your instructor. Her immediate trust and belief in you was unquestioned. That's something that I will always be thankful for. She was constantly pushing her students to move forward without imposing any kind of domineering pressure. When you succeeded she did as well and she always let you know it. I will forever use her in my life as an example of valor and unconditional kindness.