Sonja Karin Smith, daughter of Fritjoff and Nendean (Stott) Mark, was born October 15, 1935, at McPherson Hospital in McPherson, Kansas. Sonja survived mastoid infections in the 5th and 6th grades and was sent to a children’s ward at Wesley Hospital in Wichita to receive penicillin treatments, as that medication was not available in McPherson.
Sonja attended Washington Elementary School and graduated in 1953 from McPherson Senior High School. She went on to McPherson College and graduated from there in 1957. She was an elementary school teacher.
Sonja and sister, Inga, were baptized together by Rev. Walter Upton at the First Congregational Church chapel in McPherson.
Sonja enjoyed roller skating and met her future husband at Petersons Roller Rink, rural McPherson. Paul and Sonja were married July 13, 1958, by Rev. Alfred Bartter at the First Congregational Church in McPherson. They went on a honeymoon trip, driving to San Francisco, California. Paul passed away on October 15, 2016.
Sonja enjoyed farm life, raising a garden, and canning. She was a member of the Daughters of the Union Veterans, and was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, Sunday school teacher, and also played the piano, violin, and cello.
Sonja passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at McPherson Hospital. She was eighty-seven.
Survivors include son, Loren; daughter, Cara Dietterick and husband, John; grandsons, Maxfield Dietterick and Samel Dietterick; niece, Christine Langone; and step-niece, Debra Lawrence.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister, Inga Lawrence.
Per Sonja’s wishes, there will be no service. The final resting place will be in McPherson Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.