Tonya K. "Ward" Shride

Tonya K. Shride, 76, of Carterville, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Premier Senior Living Center in Carterville.

Memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home, with her brothers, Danny and David Ward officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow at Blairsville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Special Olympics or the Cambria Food Pantry.

Tonya was born on December 19, 1948, in Herrin, to Donald E. and Phyllis (Jeralds) Ward. She married James F. Shride on August 30, 1969, in Cambria.

She is survived by her husband, James F. Shride; son, James E. (Amber) Shride; brothers, Danny (Pam) Ward, and David Ward; plus several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tonya was preceded in death by her parents.

She was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin and proud member of Kappa Delta Pi. A passionate educator, Tonya served as an English teacher at Goreville High School from 1974 to 2003, where she also taught French and coached the Scholar Bowl team. She was a pioneer in integrating technology into education, credited with being the first to bring computers into schools south of Springfield. Her commitment to innovation extended beyond the classroom through her support of the School Tools to Europe Program.

Following her retirement from public school teaching, Tonya continued to share her love of learning as an adjunct professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale for over three years. Her dedication to education was unwavering throughout her life.

Tonya was also a proud supporter of The Special Olympics, an avid reader, and a co-author of a published work for the Williamson County Historical Society. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her teaching, mentorship, and community involvement.