Ukiah teacher's death shocks community

Tonya Sparkes, a well-known member of the Ukiah High School community died Wednesday at age 45.

[Anthony Walsh]

i had the distinct pleasure of dealing with Tonya through her Journalism classes, as the Ukiahilite was my #1 source of advertising while i still had my store downtown. but i also recall her as the fresh-faced teacher not too much older than myself as i finished my time at UHS. over the course of 20 years i can't say she changed much, as she was always just a wonderful person; one who will truly be missed. Rest peacefully Tonya, and know that your mark has been left on us all.

[Parent]

Tonya was an outstanding teacher. My wild son who hated school, loved her and thought her to be the best. This is a real loss for Ukiah High School, so thanks Tonya for keeping my kid interested, and yes he went on and got his degree from Sonoma State University.

[Kaf]

She was a teacher of mine in high school.... very sad. RIP Mrs. Sparkes.

[Todd Schapmire Sr]

Today is a very sad day at Ukiah High School.
A friend was lost. Tonya Sparkes was truly a great teacher and person. For those of you who knew her, or were taught by her, my words are no surprise to you. She cared about students and their education.
I had the pleasure of working with her for seventeen years. She taught both of my sons. They were truly saddened by this news. Tonya was a breath of fresh air, caring, dedicated and a expert in her field. My heart goes out to her family. I will miss Tonya Sparkes, and so will many others.

[Robert Griffith]

I was devastated by the news of Tonya's passing this morning. She is truly one of the rare treasures I have ever known in my life. Positive, caring, hard working, passionate... the list could go on and on.
Tonya loved her job, her friends, and her family and loved her nieces and nephews like they were her own -- she talked about them daily.
I wish I had taken more time to tell Tonya how much she meant to me. She was truly the older sister I never had. Ukiah High School is just a little darker without her presence. She will TRULY be missed.

[askgriff]

(reposting to see if it works)
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I was devastated by the news of Tonya's passing this morning. She is truly one of the rare treasures I have ever known in my life. Positive, caring, hard working, passionate... the list could go on and on.
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Tonya loved her job, her friends, and her family and loved her nieces and nephews like they were her own -- she talked about them daily.
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I wish I had taken more time to tell Tonya how much she meant to me. She was truly the older sister I never had. Ukiah High School is just a little darker without her presence. She will TRULY be missed.

[comment]

I had her for English like 15 years ago. She was a rare person, one of my favorite teachers. She had a gift with the kids-all of the kids.

[Duffy Johnson]

I was deeply saddened to hear this morning of Tonya's passing. I knew her in grade school and high school. I was on the Ukiahilite staff my senior year and was so pleased when I found out Tonya had become its advisor. My deepest condolences go to her family, friends, students and colleagues.

[Lee Ann Dickson]

My heart goes out to her family, students, and friends. She was a real caring lady. My son was in shock when I told him. He loved her English class.

[Mendo Local]

Sad, Sad, news. I went to school with Tanya and she taught my kids. She was one of the rare ones who actually took the time to get to know her students. The loss of Tanya as a teacher/coach is a loss for her students and would-be future students. May the angels take as good as care of her as she took of our children.

[Rick Travis]

I went to high school with Tanya a couple of grades behind her as well as worked with her for 7 years at the high school.

She was an outstanding teacher and very well respected by both students and staff alike.

My condolences to her family, friends, students and colleagues, it's sad day for our community.

[Ukiah High School Parent]

I was saddened to hear of Ms. Sparkes passing. My daughter was in her English class her Sophomore year. Ms. Sparkes made a child who did not like school want to learn and be a better person. It is so hard to find a person who has the ability to influence our children's lives such as Ms. Sparkes did. She will be missed by so many. I hope that her family can take some comfort in this difficult time knowing that they raised a truly incredible person who touched so many lives for the positive. The stars in Heaven will be shining brighter. You will be missed Ms. Sparkes!

[SAD STUDENT]

I had Ms. Sparkes as a teacher in high school. She was such a caring person and got to know all her students. She will be missed by all that knew her. I am very thankful that i was able to have her as a part of my life even though just for a short time in school. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and amyone who had the chance of knowing her. No doubt she is an angel watching over us.

[Watcha Know]

The students and parents think very highly of you Ms. Sparkes! God bless you as your duty is done on this earth. Watch over the children and friends and family that join you!

[Donna Kiely]

I was so saddened to hear of Tonya's passing. She was such a huge support to my daughter during her high school years as a coach and a teacher. This is a huge loss for Ukiah High and our community. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

[unbelievable]

i did not know this teacher, but obviously she was a great person and teacher to many. my prayers go out to her and her family.

[former student]

Anthony Walsh wrote:

i had the distinct pleasure of dealing with Tonya through her Journalism classes, as the Ukiahilite was my #1 source of advertising while i still had my store downtown. but i also recall her as the fresh-faced teacher not too much older than myself as i finished my time at UHS. over the course of 20 years i can't say she changed much, as she was always just a wonderful person; one who will truly be missed. Rest peacefully Tonya, and know that your mark has been left on us all.

Couldnt have said it better myself. She will be missed and was a wonderful teacher and friend to many.

[Dennis Smart]

Although retired now, I had occasion to be in Tanya's classroom. This is what I saw!!! Students were quiet and respectful. There were always students hard at work and a great deal being accomplished. There was a shared respect between students and teacher that let an observer know that a friendly and productive environment was provided. Education at its best!!!
Tanya will be missed and my heart goes out to family and friends.

[Former Ukiahan]

Mendo Local wrote:

Sad, Sad, news. I went to school with Tanya and she taught my kids. She was one of the rare ones who actually took the time to get to know her students. The loss of Tanya as a teacher/coach is a loss for her students and would-be future students. May the angels take as good as care of her as she took of our children.

So we do have something in common. I too went to high schoool with Tanya. She was a year a head of myself and I remember her well. She was always a happy person. She will be missed.

[class of 90]

I would just like to echo the sentiments of others here.Tonya was a great teacher and an even better person.It will be difficult to fill the void left in her untimely death.