Tonya Lea (nee Estep) Cooley, a longtime Scioto County resident, passed away unexpectedly on March 22, 2026 at the age of 57. Tonya was born to her parents William and Lelia Estep on April 14, 1968. Tonya was a proud graduate of Northwest High School, Class of 1987.
She dedicated much of her life to caring for others through her work in healthcare as a nurse’s aide. A faithful member of Tabernacle of Jesus Christ in New Boston, Tonya loved singing gospel music with the church choir and band, lifting her voice in praise. She enjoyed being outdoors, especially spending time at the park, and she loved to go cruisin’ in the car while listening to her favorite music.
Tonya appreciated a good meal at the “Roadhouse” steakhouse, loved to laugh, and was known for telling jokes and brightening the day of those around her. She never met a stranger and truly loved people, cherishing time with her family and traveling to different places whenever she could.
She is preceded in death by her father, William Estep, step father, Delbert Copas, and one son, Joshua Cooley.
Tonya is survived by her loving husband Wayne Cooley of Portsmouth, mother Lelia Copas of Rarden, sons: JD Copas, Keith Copas, Anthony Cooley, Nathan Cooley and Robert Cooley, daughters: Lisa Nuckols and Lisa Dunaway, brothers and sister in laws: Mark and Shari Copas, Kevin and Deborah Copas; sister and brother in laws, Kim and Alan Swayne and Cyndi and Kevin Jenkins, thirteen grandchildren: Zack, Jared, Jaxon, Sabrina, Brooklyn, A.J., Andrew Alexander, Elizaabeth, Henry, Brianna, Gabriella and Allyssa; and too many great grandchildren to mention.
Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers at this time. Visit www.fcdaehlermortuary.com to leave a special memory of Tonya or condolences for her family.
