Tonya Childres

Tonya Jo Thomas-Childres, 56, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas. She was born on May 12, 1970, in Wichita to General Sherman Thomas and Deborah Thomas (Beck).

Tonya's greatest joy in life was her family. She was incredibly proud of her children, adored her grandchildren, and loved her nieces and nephews as if they were her own. She found immense happiness in watching each of them grow, celebrate their accomplishments, and become who they were meant to be. Tonya was an eternal optimist who always sought the good in others. She shared an unbreakable bond with her twin sister and best friend, Sonya, whose absence she had deeply felt over the past year.

Tonya devoted her early years to being a homemaker and raising her four children. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to serving others. She found joy in working with school-aged children and later in life helping to care for the elderly, bringing kindness wherever she went.

She was preceded in death by her twin sister, Sonya Kackley, and her father, General Sherman Thomas.

Tonya is survived by her children, Jessica (Dennis Ormston) Saferite-Ormston, Damen (Chris Heard) Childres, Chelsey Saferite, and Courtney (Forrest Sawyer) Childres; her beloved grandchildren, Kamryn, Kadence, Kooper, Kenlee, Wiley, Brooks, and Josie; her mother, Deborah Peinado; her sister, Karla (Steve) Seymore; her brother, Kevin Thomas; her brother-in-law, Ken Kackley; her step-sister, Stephanie Werth; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A private burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery. Tonya's children invite all family and friends to celebrate her life on Friday, July 24th at 1:00pm, at the Haysville Community Building, 130 E Second ST S., Haysville, KS 67060.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to help with the cost of Tonya's final arrangements. Any contribution, regardless of the amount, is sincerely appreciated and will help honor Tonya's memory and final wishes.

Donations may be made directly to Smith Mortuary by July 10 or sent via Venmo to @jessica-saferite.