Tonya Arenaz

"Free at Last"

"The April showers in her life created a radiant May flower that Heavenly Father took from His garden to be part of His beautiful bouquet." It is with deep sadness that we lost Tonya Skousen Arenaz on May 21, 2017, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, due to complications of a serious disease. Tonya was 59 years old at her passing. Tonya was born April 9, 1958, in Provo, Utah, to Lester Platte Skousen, Jr. and Janice Athella Conger Skousen. She grew up in Provo, Utah, Colonia Juarez in Mexico, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Tonya moved to Idaho Falls with her family in October, 1990. Tonya was raised in Las Vegas, graduated from Western High School in 1976, and attended Brigham Young University-Provo. Tonya has been married to her eternal companion, Mark Richard Arenaz, since October 2, 1981; and their two absolutely wonderful daughters, Rachel and Julia, were born to this union. Tonya was incredibly gifted artistically and shared so much of her talents with others. We were always amazed at the beauty that came from her creative mind. She loved reading and writing stories. A few years ago she published her first book, "C is for Christmas," which has been enjoyed by so many people. Tonya suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and complications related to it for all of her adult life and it is only mentioned because it affected every aspect of her life. Although she hated the disease and what it did to her body, she rarely complained to others, exercised her faith, and moved forward to a beautiful and productive life. Tonya is survived by her husband of 36 years, Mark Arenaz; two daughters, Rachel (Jeremy) Barnes and Julia (Scot) Lassle; grandchildren, Aidan, Wyatt, and Lydia Barnes, Zoe, Brett, and Amelia Lassle, and yet to be born baby Lassle; her mother, Janice Skousen; sisters, Lorri (Jared) Rust and Kellee (Tom) Horito; and 28 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her father, Larry Skousen, and her brother, Brett Skousen. We know that there were so many people waiting for her as she crossed the veil. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 2017, at the Idaho Falls LDS Lincoln Stake Center, 2545 Mesa, under the direction of Bishop Wallace Baker of the Sand Creek 2nd Ward. Visitation with the family will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday and from 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, both visitations at the church. Burial in Lincoln Cemetery will follow the services.

Funeral Services will be held