Tonia Maria Vandervort

Tonia Maria Vandervort, age 63, passed away on May 12, 2026, in Bradenton after a long and difficult battle with vascular and renal disease. Born on July 24, 1962, in Indianapolis, Tonia spent more than 40 years in Lake Wales, where she built a life filled with love, family, laughter, and quiet acts of kindness that touched so many people.

Tonia was the kind of person who made others feel cared for without ever asking for recognition. For more than 20 years, she worked in the cafeteria at Polk Avenue Elementary School, where she became a familiar and comforting face to generations of children. She found joy in taking care of others, whether through a warm meal, a conversation, or simply making someone feel seen.

More than anything, Tonia loved her family. She was a devoted wife to her husband of nearly 46 years, Timothy Vandervort, and a loving mother to her daughters, Maria Vandervort and Karista Setchel (Josh). Her family was the center of her world, and the love she gave them was constant, unwavering, and deep.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dale Leroy Chowning and Polly Juanita Vester.

Tonia also leaves behind the many family members she adored so fiercely, including her great-nephew and nieces Tony White (Melissa), Zaria White, and the girl she proudly and lovingly spoke about, often called her favorite, Maleigha White. She also cherished her great-great niece and nephews, who she loved as if they were her own grandchildren. Being surrounded by family brought her the greatest happiness.

She found joy in life’s simple things — baking for the people she loved, shopping trips, sharing stories, and talking about going to bingo, even if she never actually made it there. Her humor, stubborn strength, and loving spirit will live on in the memories shared by everyone who knew her.

The loss of Tonia leaves a space in the hearts of her family that can never truly be filled. She was deeply loved, and she loved deeply in return. Her family takes comfort in knowing that the care, warmth, and compassion she gave so freely throughout her life will continue to live on through the people whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to help pay off unpaid student lunch accounts at local public school cafeterias, a tribute that reflects Tonia’s caring heart and her many years serving school children.  A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

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