Tanya Rae Strickland, age 40, of Grand Rapids passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. She was preceded in death by her father, Tom Strickland; grandparents, Marilyn Joyce and Donald Dean Ickes; aunts, Susie Wheeler, Barb; uncle, Roger Browley; and friend, Whitey. She will be lovingly remembered by her son, Brandon Jason; mother, Teresa Ickes; sisters, Tasha VerStrat, Tallelia Parlmer, Tanji Parlmer; aunts and uncles, Maryann Browley, Linda Sova, Steven Ickes, Angela Konen, Paul Ickes, Barbara Nitzel, Amy Lillard; nieces and nephews, Tranaya Mosher, Tristen VerStrat, Logan VerStrat, Landon VerStrat, Taylor Rice, Bonnie Rice; friends, Lisa Lopez, Roger Williams, Steve Olejniczak, Kori Olejniczak, Rob and Lauren, Rick, and Peter Reaume; Brandon’s father, Steve Jason. Tanya enjoyed camping and spending time with her family. She could be found singing karaoke, tending bar, cutting hair, or working as a dental assistant. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Tanya’s GoFundMe page .
Leave Your Tribute Message
December 30, 2024 2:38pm
I have known Tanya for 20 years. She was very kind and thoughtful. I always cared about you. And tryied to be there for you when you needed my help. When I heard about your passing. I took it hard. I will miss you. Steve ( freind of the family)
- Steve olejniczak
December 21, 2024 10:43am
It tears my Heart apart to have to say goodbye for now my dear sweet friend. U left us so soon!! I only knew u for a few yrs. But times was field with fun laughter and love with radiated off of U Tanya. I was looking so forward to u spending time in the south. U left a big Void in my heart sweetheart. Much Love for U Tanya
- Charles R Fortson/ Uncle Ray
December 20, 2024 11:04pm
I just want to say how amazing of a person you are, I will always be thankful I had the opportunity to know you and have memories that you for that rest in my peace my angel 😇 ❤️
- Sherry
December 20, 2024 1:06am
Tanya can't believe you are gone 😢. We may not have been the closest friends but we have definitely known each other for over 20 yrs . I remember we both had our sons around the same time . We had some great times together from riding my first dirt bike with you to working on a construction site lol thanks for always taking care of my hair and for all the conversations . You'll truly be missed.
- Charles Brown
December 19, 2024 7:31am
I'm so thankful we met 20 years ago in cosmetology school. And reconnected 10 years later. Tanya you were such a light in everyone's lives. I'll miss your voice, laugh and that beautiful smile. Thanking God that we have pictures we can cherish till we meet again. I'll forever hear you laughing and saying paul rudds line on Wonderlust "Wiff my deuyuckkkk!" Rest in heaven beautiful lady!!
- Leah Hoekwater
December 19, 2024 6:36am
I’ll always remember you as an independent kick butt motorcycle riding single mother rest in heaven doll 🫶🏽
- Brooke Lopez
December 18, 2024 8:50pm
Tanya-
I always enjoyed seeing you stop in to Kales on Sundays and always thought you had the most beautiful eyes because when you smiled, so did your eyes! You were a sweetheart and will be missed by many- Wilma
- Wilma Babcock
December 18, 2024 3:55pm
Tanya I will miss you my friend. You always had a beautiful smile, you wore your heart on your sleeve and it was a big heart. I will never forget you. Love ya always.
- Mike Bricault
December 18, 2024 12:22pm
My heart is broken because I know how much pain you were in and this was always my fear. We weren't super close but we had some damn good times! You will always be loved!
- Tammy Dingman
December 18, 2024 11:14am
Tanya you have always been such a beautiful person. As cliche' as it sounds, you truly did light up a room when you entered. Your ability to always remain so positive when we would chat meant so much to me. The world is missing you so much. We are so heartbroken. Fly high babygirl. I love you!
- Jessica Blythe
December 17, 2024 10:58am
Tanya I have no words. I'm truly going to miss you. Who is going to tell me they are done with me now? I'm gonna miss our hugs that seemed to last forever when we haven't seen each other in a while, seeing you with your beaming smile pull up in your truck and much more. Rest in Peace my sweet friend 🧡
- Stacey Peterson
December 17, 2024 6:55am
There will never be another like you. That smile was so infectious, always smiling always positive with everyone. This is such a shock, I’ll miss you my dear friend. RIP💔😔
- Keith Brown
December 17, 2024 6:35am
I'll miss you so very much my dear friend. My world is so much smaller now.
- Trisha Hikade
December 16, 2024 3:03pm
Tanya- I'm so sorry you couldn't find your peace here but now I hope you truly are at peace....... You left us to soon and you will forever be loved and missed.......
FLY HIGH TANYA
- Andrew Gielczyk
December 16, 2024 8:51am
Tanya~
Where do I start? It's so hard that you are gone. You had such a big impact on so many around you. You had a gypsy soul and a huge heart of gold. So out going, bubbly, gorgeous, funny. Had such a bright aura that brightened a room. I remember you, me, Kelly, autumn, Ricky and so many others always having a good time at Kuzzinz. I remember one Halloween there that you and a friend dressed up as taco bell sauces. You will be truly missed. Until we meet again aangel!
Love always Rashell
- Rashell Vogel
December 15, 2024 12:30pm
Tanya,
I am still so devastated at the thought of never seeing your beautiful face or hearing your contagious laugh ever again..I’m so regretful that I wasn’t able to see you again before you left us, but mostly my heart aches immeasurably for your pain while you walked this earth. I know it has been a while since we have spent time together, but you picked me up when I was at one of my lowest points in my life and I will always remember what you did for me back then. Your friendship saved me in a way that I will never forget, and I will forever be grateful to you for rekindling my light in this world, and reminding me to shine my brightest. Even tho you may no longer be able to shine with me here on earth, now you can shine as the brightest star in the sky..
- Nichole LaFond
December 14, 2024 10:52pm
You were such an amazing woman and friend. Thank you for always being amazing! I am so sorry you felt so much pain. I love you and will always look for you in the sky!
- Sarah Munjoy
December 14, 2024 10:47pm
You were a wonderful Aunt and you will be greatly missed during the holidays. They will never be the same without you. I'm so thankful for our last moments with you, filled with lots of laughs and love. May you finally be at peace. We love you deeply, Aunt Tanya 💕
- Tranaya
December 14, 2024 8:59pm
You touched the lives of so many with that magnetic light you had. All the memories you have given me will never be forgotten. I love you Tanya, forever and always.
- Autumn
December 14, 2024 7:32pm
Tanya we grew up together during our elementary school days and middle school and even as adults. we had our shares of up and downs but you will never be forgotten....
- Sarah Clay
December 14, 2024 5:11pm
I will miss you. I do not have words but a void without you. There’s just this emptiness inside. I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around you. Till we meet again. If I could choose my life over again, I would choose you in it. You would be my freind again for ever. I love you soo much. I am soo grateful to have had you in my life. I just miss you soo much. Fly high most beautiful Angel. With love Lionor Lisa Lopez yours forever!
- Lionor Lopez
December 14, 2024 3:13pm
Words can’t express how sorry I am to hear that you passed. You were one of the strongest women that I knew. You were blunt but kind would do anything for anyone but also wouldn’t take no crap from anyone. You taught me to stand up for myself more than you ever knew. I am so blessed to have learned some pretty awesome haircut tricks from you. I was just thinking about our meeting in the pedicure room our favorite place lol. I’m glad you’re finally at peace. Love you Tanya.
- Carmen Derivera
December 14, 2024 10:56am
I will miss Tanya very much from her selfless giving nature, warm smile to her inappropriate jokes and crazy demeanor.
Though we were not close by any means, she was very loved by me. I am thankful for the childhood/preteen memories, and the guidance she would provide when needed.
Much love and support from me to those deeply affected by this loss.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18
- Nicole Priest
December 14, 2024 9:53am
It’s unimaginable that I’m writing a tribute to you for this reason. In my heart of hearts, I imagined me “as that friend” standing up at your wedding sharing something that would you embarrass in front of your family, friends and of course your husband. And you know I have a few stories 😏. I can just hear you now yelling at me, “YOU’RE DONE!!”. Then you whisper into your husbands ear, “he’s an A-hole”…LOL. You and I have had our ups and downs but as true friends do, we’ve always seem to comeback to one another. That section of my heart that chiseled and carved your initials into will ALWAYS and FOREVER be your section.
I MISS YOU!
I LOVE YOU!!!
Your Forever Friend - Rob McCarty
Rest Easy My Dear Sweet Friend
- Rob McCarty
December 14, 2024 9:48am
Theresa, so very sorry to hear of your loss! Praying for peace and comfort as you travel this unexpected road.
- MaryJo Boerema
December 14, 2024 9:43am
Tanya you will be missed
- Paul
December 14, 2024 9:36am
My Dear Neice Tanya,
The last time I seen you.We were at the family fish fry this past August.
You have always given the best tightest hugs! My heart breaks for the deep sadness that dwelled with inside your soul. That some of us did not see. But what I seen on the outside was the love you had for your son and the love and joy you had for your baby nieces.
You loved those little girls with everything you had inside, and I was so proud to witness that. I pray at that moment that grandma and grandpa Ickes and your Dad were standing there waiting to take your hand and guide you. May you find peace and comfort in the loving arms of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. May you rest in peace my niece.
Love Aunt Barb
- Barbara Nitzel (aunt)
December 14, 2024 12:37am
Tanya my beautiful child. You may have left this Realm but u r NOT far away. You see my dear Heaven is near. I ask that the Elohim wrap u in a bundle of light & Rejuvenate & heal your wounded soul. You are now Truly FREE! u can now Fly with a spec of wind at ur back. disappear & Reappear at will on your command. You r not bound to a HEAVY WEIGHT that EARTH Brings. You can now travel the cosmos in your own frequency of 5D you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! Ask my child & it is Yours! Pls ask Our Creator if SHE WILL BRING U PEACE & Wisdom to Travel the Galaxy & come back here one day leaving all the Karma BEHIND. You will have an another chance to change & do the best for your soul purpose. You are & will be loved for eternity! Why? Because you NEVER DIE!!! You just keep going up the ladder to evolve to a beautiful swan! You are NOT DONE HERE. But because You left to soon you Must come back & learn from your mistakes & vow to stick out the rough journey for your Soul Purpose! I love you! & I will love all your friends for you! Remember if you want a door open? You must demand it so! Stay the course honey you CANNOT LOOSE!!!!
- Teresa Ickes (Mom)