Tonya Lynn Wallace

Tonya Lynn (Bennett) Wallace, 43, of Pendelton and formerly of Wallowa, died suddenly May 12. At the family's request there will be a private celebration of life at a later date. Sign the guestbook at www.burnsmortuary.com.

She was born Nov. 17, 1966, to Alvin Richard Bennett and June Maria (Grover) Bennett in Ogden. The family soon moved to Union where Alvin was from. Tonya attended schools in Union and Wallowa counties, graduating from Wallowa High School. After graduation, Tonya entered the Peace Corps where she met her first husband, Fred Swartout. Together they had two children, Daniel and Andrew.

After divorcing, Tonya and the boys moved to Lewiston, Idaho. There she worked and went to school in the nursing field. She had a passion for helping others, which took her and the boys to

various locations. In early 2000s Tonya moved back to Oregon to be near family and friends. This is where she met her beloved soulmate, Ben Hoffman. They were to be married this summer.

Tonya was currently going to school and doing well. She would have graduated this year.

She loved the outdoors, gardening, fishing, driving in the mountains, camping and mushrooming. Those who knew her say she could find a mushroom when no one else could. Tonya also liked to crochet. She made afghans and other items for friends and family.

Survivors include her boys; Daniel and Andrew; her soulmate, Ben Hoffman, and his daughters; father, Alvin; brother, Alvin Michael Bennett, his wife, Misty, and their children; uncles and aunts; two half-sisters; extended family by marriage; cousins; nieces; and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, June Maria; all grandparents; a nephew; and aunts, uncles and cousins.

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