Tanya Thornton Walz, age 37, of Hankinson, ND, formerly of Twin Valley, and Mahnomen, MN, died Tuesday, July 19, 2016, near Sisseton, SD. Tanya Lin Thornton was born November 20, 1978, the daughter of Michael and LeAnn (Prestegord) Thornton in Mahnomen, MN. Tanya grew up near Twin Valley where she attended school, graduating with the class of 1997. In 2002, Tanya was united in marriage to James Walz. The couple was blessed with three sons. Over the years they lived in Waubun, MN, Mahnomen, MN, and Hankinson, ND. Tanya was currently employed at St Gerads Nursing Home in Hankinson as a C.N.A. Tanya's favorite pastimes included bowling, fishing, spending time with her family, and she loved all animals. Tanya is survived by her husband, James Walz of Mahnomen, MN; sons: Joseph 17, Jacob 15, and Jarrod 14; mother, LeAnn Kraft of Twin Valley, MN; father, Michael (Diane) Thornton of Twin Valley, MN; sisters: Samantha (Bobbie) Steele of Fertile, MN, Stefanie Thornton of Gary, MN, and Jessica Thornton of Ada, MN; paternal grandmother, Grace Thornton of Twin Valley; three nieces, three nephews and several cousins.