Sonjia Morris

Beloved Sonjia “Sonnie” Rae Morris, 78, was called to heaven peacefully on Sunday, February 12, 2023 in Billings, MT. She was born the youngest of three children to George C. Lutes and Carolina M. (Linscott) Lutes on April 9, 1944, in Wallace, ID. She lived her early years in Idaho and then her family moved to Eastern Oregon. She graduated in 1962 from Hermiston High School and set off after graduation with her best friend, Donna Primmer, to find their futures in Seattle, WA. It was there she met the absolute love of her life, Franklyn E. Morris. hey were married on February 1, 1969.

While living in Seattle, she worked for the King County Library System, which she enjoyed as she was an avid reader. During their years together in Seattle, two daughters were born, Shanna and Malea. Sonjia loved being a mother. In 1980, the family moved to Hermiston, OR to be closer to her ailing parents and raise their children in a smaller community. Two years later, a son, Shane, was born.

Once Shane began school, Sonjia rejoined the workforce as a paraeducator in special education. Sonjia loved this work and found fulfillment in working with students. Eventually they moved to Tri-Cities, WA and she retired in 2007 from the Pasco School District. She was delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and enjoyed sewing, playing cribbage and pinocle, and spending time with family. She also enjoyed camping trips to Crawfish Lake and traveling adventures including a trip of a lifetime to Ireland with Malea and Shanna.

Sonjia is preceded in death by her beloved husband (Franklyn), parents (George & Carolina), brothers (Harold & Donald), and grandson Joshua. She is survived by her children Shanna and husband Daniel Davis, Malea Morris, and Shane and wife Claudia Morris; grandchildren Kayla and husband Matthew Ramirez, Travis Morris, and Kristopher Wilcox; and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Sonjia didn't know a stranger and loved to make others laugh. She treasured her friends and family. She loved to be in church and with her church family too. She attended several different churches and always found a home at a church wherever she lived. Her kindness, generosity, and Christian love for others ran deep. She would give generously to help others, a true servant's heart. Her family was her earthly priority, and she was the glue that held everyone together.

While her family and friends that are left behind on earth grieve the earthly loss of a rare and precious gem of a human being, comfort is found knowing she is no longer suffering and is present with the Lord and those that preceded her in death. We grieve at the loss of a touch, smile, and words of kindness from her but hold in our hearts our fondest memories and an incredible example of a Godly woman.

A graveside memorial service in Hermiston, OR is planned for this Spring.