Katonya "Tonya" Lyn Farris, 49, of Riceville, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on October 1, 2026.

Tonya was a loving wife, mother, and, most of all, grandmother. Being a grandmother was one of the greatest joys of her life. She was her children's biggest fan and was always there to support and encourage those she loved.

Tonya loved football, especially the Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, and the McMinn County Cherokees. She had a special place in her heart for cats and kittens and loved helping others whenever she could. She was the kind of person who was always willing to be there for someone in need. In keeping with her generous and giving spirit, Tonya's final gift was the gift of life through organ donation. Her heart was given to someone in need in Ohio, where many of her grandchildren and loved ones lived. Ohio was a place Tonya had always hoped to call home because that was where her heart truly was, near the family she loved so dearly. In a beautiful and unexpected way, her heart is now there, too.

Tonya will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her loving spirit and the lives she touched will continue to live on through her family and through the gift she gave to another.

Survivors include her husband, Aaron Farris; children, Karleigh (Ryan) Pennington, Zackery (Miranda) Leist, Aiden Farris, and Deakon Haefele; grandchildren, Bransen Fultz, Avery Leist, Wyatt Leist, and Atley Pennington; parents, Pete and Dawn Shortt; maternal grandmother, Joyce Yaudes; sister, Kami (Chuck) Collier; and many other loved family members and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Companion Funeral Home of Athens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Judes or ASPCA in Tonya's memory.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Tonya or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Athens and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.