Sonja M. Mathis, age 85, of La Porte, Indiana, peacefully passed away at her home on September 30th, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on August 12th, 1938, in Loon Lake, IN, she was the daughter of the late Hollis and Marie (Rex) Harrison. Sonja shared a deep love with her husband, Wilbur "Willie" Mathis. The two were united in matrimony on June 24th, 1955, in Angola. Willie predeceased her on February 17th, 2003.
Sonja's memory will be cherished by her devoted daughters: Candy (Charlie) Evans and Tami (Larry-deceased) Heimer, both of La Porte. She was blessed with and adored by her precious grandchildren, Jennifer (Brent) Neulieb, Hollie (Randall) Collette, Nate (Carrie) Evans, and Blake (Amanda) Evans; great-grandchildren, Alexis (Michael) Bubalo, Mason Neulieb, Jordan (Ian) Downs, Kali Collette, Riley Collette, Gavin Hundt, and Reece Evans; and great, great-grandchildren, Nicholas Bubalo, Walker Bubalo, and Bodhi Brant. Sonja was blessed to have a stepdaughter, Sherry (Dan-deceased) of Hartville, OH, and is grandma to Sherry's 3 children, Tom, John, and Penny. Additionally, she leaves behind many dear nieces and nephews.
Regrettably, besides her husband, Sonja was preceded in death by her parents, her son Michael Mathis, and her brother, Rex G. Harrison.
Alongside Willie, Sonja co-owned Harrison Engine Service. She relished the adventures she shared with her husband during their travels. Describing Sonja as merely an "animal lover" wouldn't do justice to her passion; she had a special place in her heart for her treasured dog, Peanut, and her rescue dogs Daisy and Jessie "Squirt". Family was the cornerstone of Sonja's life, but she also deeply valued her friendships. Known for her nurturing spirit and boundless generosity, Sonja's legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched.
Those who knew Sonja well knew she loved jewelry and bling. They will fondly remember Sonja for her playful sense of humor.
A Celebration of Life Service for Sonja is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 6th, 2023, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, with Dennis Galloway presiding. Subsequently, she will be laid to rest at Pine Lake Cemetery.
For those wishing to pay their respects, a visitation will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 5th, 2023, and again from 10:00 a.m. until the commencement of the service on Friday at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family graciously suggests memorial contributions be made to the Jane Bernard Animal Adoption Center at 2855 West State Road 2, La Porte, IN 46350. (https://paylocalgov.com/
Messages of condolence can be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.
