Sonja Morris, 71

Former Bonners Ferry resident Sonja K. Shirley Morris, 71, passed away Thursday Dec. 3, 2009, in the arms of her family and in the company of her dear friends. Sonja passsed with a soft sigh at her home in Kennewick, Wash.

She was born Aug. 22, 1938, in Billings, Mont. Shirley was the eldest child of Laurel and Leroy Toby Shirley.

Sonja worked many years as a beautician and waitress.

Wherever her husband’s job took them, Sonja had the ability of creating the new residence with the same welcome feeling and look that you knew it was home. She was such a warm, consoling person that she had a whole group of new best friends in no time and she never lost the old ones.

Sonja no doubt is surrounded by new and old friends and her dearly beloved family who are helping her in her new home.

Sonja had been very ill for some years and fought her illness with quiet strength and dignity.

All of us who knew her will miss that smile and “Hi kid” greeting.

She is survived by her husband Darrell, daughters Shelly Szkudlarek, Lori Morris and Lona Rutz (Mike); son Jason Morris (Wendy); brother Dave Shirley (Lela); sister Sandi Land (John); four adoring grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Sonja was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law Adam Szkudlarek and sister-in-law Marilyn Dortch.

A celebration of Sonja’s life will be held at noon Jan. 23 at Grace Baptist Church at 4403 W. 10th Ave., Kennewick. A reception will follow.