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Tanya Williams Smith
09/11/1972 — 03/07/2025
From Richland,WA | Born in Caldwell, ID
Celebration of Life
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Tanya Williams Smith
Tanya Williams was born in Caldwell, Idaho, to Don and Bonnie Williams on September 11, 1972, and entered into rest in Seattle, Washington, on March 7, 2025. At the age of 13 she gave her heart to Jesus. She attended schools at West Canyon Elementary in Caldwell, Idaho until the family moved to Tri-Cities, Washington, in 1981. Tanya graduated from Pasco High School in 1990, she attended Northwest Nazarene University where she participated in the Crusader Band playing the oboe and sang in the Crusader Choir. Tanya had the opportunity to travel with the Continental Singers for three summers: spending the last two as Assistant Director. She graduated in 1996 with a major in Music. Tanya loved music and sang in Church Choirs, serving as worship leader at the Nazarene Church.
Early in Tanya’s life, she went to work for Battelle Pacific Northwest National Laboratory as a high school student, working summers and holidays until finishing college when she went to work full time at the Lab in Contracts. Her last position was as a Deputy M&O Finance and Accounting Professional for Funding and Contract Service at Battelle Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
On September 8, 2001, Tanya married the love of her life Steve Smith. Over the years They would make many wonderful memories together traveling to Amelia Island in Florida, Carmel California, and Hawaii. Of all their travels in over 20 yrs, Hawaii held a special place in their hearts.
Tanya is survived by her husband Steve Smith, her parents Don and Bonnie Williams, sister Tami (Brad) and nephews Caleb and Lucas Jahn.
Tanya was Fiercely Loyal, Loving, and Protective while also possessing many other talents. Our hearts will never be the same without her presence, so many friends and family are going to miss Tanya’s infectious personality and unforgettable smile that would brighten up any room that she walked into.
Wherever you stand… let your soul be the light.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Friday, March 28th at 2:00pm at Sunset Gardens Event Center in Richland, WA.
Tanya was bubbly, smart, beautiful, and we were so blessed to know her! I loved that she really listened when we talked – such a rare trait! When we spoke, her focus was completely on my words, and I knew she took them seriously, thought them important. How many people value you enough to do this? Not many. But Tanya did, and I loved that so much!
She wasn’t very big, but she always seemed larger than life. She was one of a kind, and will always be remembered, always missed🩷🩷
We miss Tanya everyday. Words can’t convey what an amazing person she was, in all ways; her infectious laughter and wit; her enormous grace and courage when facing the impossible; her calm determination; and her tremendous capacity to love others and love life. Tanya’s voice and smiling face pops up in our minds too many times a day to count, at the coffee shop or out for a walk or at the movies. We will always miss Tanya and feel so fortunate to have had her as a friend.
Love Terri and Glenn Grant
Sending love and prayers to Tanya’s family? What a beautiful person with her lovely smile so sorry she is gone way too soon. Love ❤️ Ginger Doan. One of her many Bates cousins.
I am so sad to learn the news of Tanya’s death. She had a special gift of making those around her feel special and loved. I am blessed to have had her in my life and send my deepest condolences to you, Steve. The love you shared was truly something special.
Sending love to all the family. Your in our prayers.
Tanya was always in the wings to lift up others and I was blessed to experience her compassion in so many ways – from support of those big celebrations of life and the listening of lows that come sometime as a part of life. She would listen when it was needed and she would share tough insights in a nurturing way when it was needed. She was my biggest cheerleader for many. It truly was from the first day I crossed her path those many years ago on the International Nuclear Safety Program at PNNL – that I knew she was “one of the good ones”. Now, many years after that first meeting, I picture Tanya having conversations in heaven with others that have gone before. Sitting by a tree, reading a book, watching nature and dogs frolic around.
I was very saddened to hear of Tanya’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Our deepest condolences Steve, for your loss. Tanya was such a bright light, and we will miss her.
I remember Tanya when I attended the Nazarene church. I always thought she sounded like an angel and she had the most beautiful voice. I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless,
Kerry Ripplinger
I worked with Tanya many years in the PNNL Contracts Org. Tanya was a wonderful, unique and caring soul, and after one time meeting my family outside of work, would always thereafter ask me; “how are the kids doing.” A bright and shiny personality always changed the mood in the room for the positive, full of energy and passion! Will miss her greatly! Blessings to Steve and the family during this sad loss of Tanya!
We were so saddened to hear about Tanya. We often ran into her and Steve dining out in the tri-cities. We shared a love of travel, and we so enjoyed hearing about their travels. Our hearts go out to Steve and family.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our family shared a love of dining out in the Tri-Cities and we would routinely run into Steve and Tanya at our favorite places to eat. I rarely ran into them at Battelle, so our food connection was our chance to catch up and visit. Tanya (and Steve) are a delight to visit with, so friendly and inviting. Although we no longer live in the tri-cities, our times visiting with them are some of our fondest memories. Tanya will be missed.
Bonnie, Don, Tami and family and Steve. I was so saddened today to learn of your great loss. It is so hard to grasp that someone so full of life and love is gone. Tanya was a unique and special person, and will be so missed. Prayers for you all as you grieve and process this loss.
I was devastated to hear about Tanya’s passing and I’m praying for the loved ones that must carry on without her.
She was a joy to work with; she had a great attitude even when the work was hard and frustrating. And she made time to find a personal connection even when she was busy.
She told me about her NNU experience when she heard my son was contemplating that school. We shared favorite sunny, beach vacation destinations and talked about the next ones we had planned.
She was one of the few coworkers that reached out with a sincere “I’m going to miss you Lauren!” when she heard I was leaving PNNL.
She was a great example to me early in my career and I’m forever grateful that I got the privilege of working with someone so kind and genuine and patient.
So sorry to hear of Tanya’s passing. She truly was a bright light to all who came in contact with her. I knew both she and Steve from PNNL. She will be missed.
I am deeply saddened to read this obituary. I have very fond memories of Tanya, meeting her in a hallway at PNNL or seeing her and Steve at Columbia Center, maybe walking part way around the mall together, chatting, and always coming away feeling lighter than when we met. She had a brightness about her that made her glow. It is wonderful to eead of her accomplishments at PNNL. Condolences to Steve and her family.
Steve – I am so sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourself at this difficult time.
Steve, Bonnie, Don, Tami, & family,
Dan & I were shocked & saddened to hear of Tanya’s passing. We send our deepest condolences to you all.
I spent many years working with Tanya at PNNL. She was always helpful and professional. She will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers to Steve and her parents.
A great loss to all who knew her – a life taken way too soon. Tanya was a ray of sunshine always, and so wonderful to interact with. Deepest sympathies and prayers for her entire family. Steve, we are sending our prayers and condolences to you and yours.
Steve,
So shocked to read this. Please know you are in my prayers. God will wrap his loving arms around you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. God bless and comfort to you all
Steve, May your memories help you through these difficult days. I’m so saddened by the news. Tanya was a school mate and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. She was so young. I’m sure she was met with open arms as her love for God was so great; I wish you the best my friend.
Steve and family.
I had the privilege of working with Tanya for years watching her career grow and watching her fall in love with you Steve. She and I had a special shared love for my son (she worked with him when he was a COE at Battelle) and she would always ask for the latest “Josh Story” I am a blessed to have called her friend. My heart goes out to you all.
Steve and family,
My heart is aching for you. I was shocked to hear about Tanya. I have been and will continue to be praying for you, that you would experience God’s loving grip and comfort in this time of grief.
Please accept my warmest condolences. I’m truly sorry to hear of Tanya’s passing.
Bonnie, Don, Steve and family – So very sorry to hear of Tanya’s passing. She had a special way of spreading joy with her smile and kind words! I feel lucky to have known her. She will be missed. Thinking of you all and sending prayers your way. 💕
I am so very sorry to hear of Tanya’s passing. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
I had the privilege of working with Tanya on several projects across the Lab. Even in my limited time with her, it was clear that she had a light within her—one that shone through in her kindness, warmth, and unwavering dedication. Her incredible work ethic and commitment to excellence set an example for everyone around her, and she approached every challenge with grace and determination. Tanya’s presence made an impact not just through her work, but through the way she uplifted those around her. She will be dearly missed.
Tami, Don, and Bonnie – I was so sorry to hear about Tanya today. I loved seeing her occasionally at work and catching up. She made me smile and laugh. When I think about growing up across the street from you all, I always think about Tanya helping us with our talent show routine, how you both (Tami and Tanya) introduced me to no-bake cookies, and trying to play the piano (alas, no talent!). All good memories that stay with me. Sending you prayers.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I always cherished the opportunities I had to work with Tanya; she was incredibly supportive, helpful, and a true joy to be around. She will be missed by many, and I feel fortunate to have known her.
I had the pleasure of working with Tanya at PNNL. She was such a sweet and lovely person and always remembered me when we ran in to each other after I left PNNL. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Linda and my thoughts and prayers are with you, Steve. I will miss Tanya greatly and am lucky to have had known and worked with her for the past three decades.
Guestbook for
Tanya Williams Smith