Obituary of Tonya Daree Bauer

Tonya Daree Payton-Bauer, age 63, of Peyton, Colorado, joined loved ones in heaven on Good Friday, April 14, 2017.She was born on April 2, 1954 in Victorville, California to Jehu Robert and Mary Juanita Payton. Tonya is survived by her loving husband of thirty-six years, Dr. Paul Edward Bauer; mother, Mary Payton-Love; her brothers, Ronald L. Payton, Curtis R. (Sheila) Payton, and Jay L. (Nikki) Payton; and sister, Gina R. Roney. She was preceded in death by her father, Jehu R. Payton and baby son, Christian Edward Bauer.Tonya was a 1972 graduate of Wasson High School. She attended Western State College, El Paso Community College, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs in May 1978. She went on to teach grades K-6 at Rudy Elementary School before marriage in 1981On March 22, 1981, she married the love of her life, Paul Edward Bauer, at the Air Force Academy Chapel. Her husband's active duty career took them to Illinois and California for postgraduate medical training. The highlight of their Air Force career was the five years they spent in West Germany. Paul retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1998.Tonya became a Christian in 1972. She was discipled by the Navigators and was a regular attender at Pulpit Rock Church until she was involved in a devastating car accident October 4, 2011 that left her paraplegic and homebound. She never lost her zest for life despite her physical limitations and hardships. She remained committed to Christ despite her circumstances, dedicated to her husband and family, and was compassionate towards others. She enjoyed her three horses and the several dogs she owned over the course of her married life. Her family will remember her as an independent, free-spirited, loving and caring person, with a great sense of humor. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers and cards, please consider a donation to the Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center (PPTRC). They are a 501 (c)(3) organization and the oldest, largest and the only Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) premier accredited center in southern Colorado. The PPTRC facility at Latigo is provided by the Pikes Peak Range Rider Foundation of which Tonya's father was a member. Hippotherapy (Horse therapy) was an essential part of Tonya's physical recovery. The PPTRC is located at 13620 Halleluiah Trail, Elbert, Colorado 80106. Phone: (719) 495-3908. Fax: (719) 494-1689. Email: PPTRC@PPTRC.orgFuneral Home:The Springs Funeral Services~North6575 Oakwood Blvd.Colorado Springs, COUSA 80923 Events Service Wednesday, May 3, 2017 12:00AM The Springs Funeral Services - North 6575 Oakwood Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80923 Phone: 719-207-8611