Monday, June 24th, 2024
Taunya Bartlett
Our beloved Taunya L. (Hamilton) Bartlett, 53, passed away on June 17, 2024 as a result of a motorcycle accident while traveling through West Virginia. Born in Salt Lake City on January 12, 1971, she moved as a young child with her mother to Coldwater, OH. She graduated with honors from Celina Senior High School in 1989 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1994. She was a well-respected professional in her field, working as an engineer and then project manager, most recently at ATS Automation in Chicago, IL.
Taunya will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to have crossed her path. She was known for her big smile, infectious laugh, and passion for life. She impacted many lives through her various activities including children's ministry, dance organizations, community leadership, and in recent years a passion for sustainability and celebrating her Polynesian culture. Taunya never met a stranger, and no one walked away from a conversation with her without feeling special, a kind word, a wish of encouragement or a big hug.
Taunya leaves to cherish her memory, her parents, Gary and Patricia (Watts) Hamilton of Celina, OH; her sister, Trina Hamilton of St. Louis, MO; her maternal grandmother, Nila (Brower) Watts of Coldwater, OH; and half-sisters she connected with later in life, Leinati (Markilo) Aiono of Salt Lake City, UT, Moana (Chris) Aiono of Salt Lake City, UT, Lita (Chris) Aiono of Fayetteville, NC, Tia Aiono of Salt Lake City, UT, and Kaili Aiono of Salt Lake City, UT. She also leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends who knew and loved her.
Taunya was preceded in death by her loving husband, Carl T. Bartlett; her maternal grandfather, Harry M. Watts, and her paternal grandparents, Lyle and Lucille (Houts) Hamilton.
In keeping with Taunya's loving and generous spirit, she gave the gift of life as her final gesture of love on Earth. Her bright, shining light can continue to burn bright in others.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Celina First Church of God on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Family will receive visitors at 1pm with the Celebration of Life service beginning at 2pm. To match Taunya's love of bright colors and larger-than-life joy, the family encourages everyone to wear colorful attire. For those unable to attend, just as Taunya shared her joy, please do something that brings you joy and share it with those around you.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Camp Otyokwah, a youth church camp Taunya both attended and later served as a counselor, which can be made in person at Celina First Church of God or at www.Otyokwah.org in memory of Taunya Bartlett, or to The American Cancer Society.
The family thanks Cisco Funeral Home of Celina, OH and welcomes condolences and memories shared on their website.