Tonya Michelle Elms

Of Batesville, Arkansas

Tonya Michelle Elms, daughter of the late Tommy Kinion and Mary Frances Bramblett Kinion, was born August 1, 1964 in Batesville, Arkansas. She departed this life July 25, 2023 in Batesville, Arkansas at the age of 58 years.  Tonya was a 1982 graduate of Cushman High School and went on to attend Ozarka College where she graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse.  Most of her nursing career was spent at White River Medical Center in Batesville. She was of the Baptist faith.

Tonya is survived by her children:  Ryan Haley of Bentonville and Taryn Hames and husband Camron of Melbourne; her sweetheart of 12 years:  Dr. Ron Bates of Batesville; one brother:  Michael Kinion of Batesville; one sister: Tammy Luster of Pangburn; two grandchildren:  Maddie Beth Hames and Hudson Hames; one niece:  Ashley Gallegly; two great nieces:  Kenlee and Kendell Gallegly; numerous cousins and a host of other relatives and many good friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her maternal grandparents:  Howard and Jewel Bramblett; her paternal grandparents:  Harry and Dorothy Kinion and her brother-in-law:  Nickey Luster.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 28 from 6-8 p.m. at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.  Funeral service will be Saturday, July 29 at 2:00 p.m. at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne with Leonard Tharp officiating.  Burial will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Cushman.

Pallbearers:  Averie Gallegly, Tony Nelson, Brian McTigue, George Rea, Josh Rea and David Cox.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Fred Rhodes and Cushman Class of 1982.