FAYETTEVILLE — Tonya Ann Roark Bienhoff,

71, of Fayetteville, Ark ., passed away at her home on February 14, 2023. She was born April 18 , 1951 , in Rogers, Ark., to Bogue and Beverly Scalf.

She is survived by her loving husband of 14 years, John Bienhoff; and his daughter, Jessica Schreck of Canute, Okla. She is also survived by her daughter, Kelly King and wife Sarah of Springdale; and beloved goddaughter, Claire Fossey of New York City. To her grandchildren, Abe King, Bennett Tiner, and Ned Schreck, she was Gran.

Tonya grew up in Sedona, Ariz., and had an enduring love of the American West, hiking in the red rock canyons and jeeping in the San Juan Mountains. She graduated from the University of Arkansas and taught at Washington Elementary School in Fayetteville. She delighted in RV adventures with her friends Bill and Mary Lee Kennedy. A gifted artist, Tonya taught craft classes, painted, and created stunning merchandise displays throughout her life, making everywhere more beautiful for her efforts. Her creativity shone in the garden, where she grew beautiful flowers and vegetables for her family.

From cattle ranching in Neosho to downhill skiing in Colorado, Tonya was fearless. She loved her family fiercely, and she cared for them with overwhelming devotion. Everyone always gathered at Tonya’s home. Her hospitality made her the center of our extended family’s life, holding us all together with her love. She delighted in family gatherings, stargazing, and roasting marshmallows around the campfire. She sang with all of her heart, and laughed until she cried.

Tonya was a person of deep Christian faith and prayer and her eyes were on eternity. Our family asks for your prayers now.

Friends and family are invited to gather for an informal visitation at Beard’s Funeral Chapel on Sunday, February 19, 2023, from 2-4 p.m.

Funeral services will take place at Beard’s on Monday, February 20, 2023, at 10 a.m. with interment to follow at Baptist Ford Cemetery. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com