Tonnica Lechele Lovan

Tonnica Lechele Lovan (Tee), 49, passed away surrounded by her loved ones at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, IA, on October 26th, 2024. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 29th, 1975. At a young age, she became very independent and enjoyed spending her time reading mystery and horror novels, mostly by Stephen King. After moving to Iowa with her adoptive family, she pushed her way through learning programs until receiving her GED. Tonnica was gifted with a fighting spirit and the tenacity to overcome many of life's challenges while still finding humor in any situation when least expected but most needed.

In her early adult years, she worked various jobs in retail and was a beloved aunty and babysitter for her friends and family. She transitioned to food service in 2012, working as a shift manager at a Jimmy Johns restaurant in Des Moines, IA, then as a caterer for the Iowa Events Center. For a year during that period, she was also employed part-time as an Operations downtown ambassador, keeping the city clean of litter and assisting visitors. She was efficient, hardworking, and a professional at bantering, making her charm difficult to resist.

Some of her favorite activities involved doing hair, cooking, watching horror and anime movies, and listening to rap and hip-hop music, typically on blast. Tonnica adored her family, as she enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews as well as her children and grandchild. She loved being a grandmother to her grandson and would spend time cooking and dancing with him. She had two brothers living in a different state that she missed dearly and hoped to visit someday.

Close friends knew she had a tough exterior but a tender heart and would try her best to show it. Tonnica had a boisterous personality that could entertain any room and always knew how to live in the moment. Her laugh and playful wit will remain in the memories of those that were able to spend time with her in the 49 years she bloomed on this planet.

She is survived by her son, Laython Lovan; daughters, Leiasha Lovan (Israel Benevidez) and Leandra Lovan; grandson, Junior; and many nieces and nephews that cherish her as aunt Tee.
While our hearts mourn her loss, we take comfort in knowing she can now rest in peace. Her spirit will always be celebrated on her favorite holiday, Halloween. She had a hankering for a good jump scare and never missed an opportunity to give one. Her young soul will truly be missed.
We would like to invite friends and family to a Celebration of life set for a future date to remember the life of a loving, free-spirited, beautiful mother.

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