Sonja Marie Melton
February 9, 1939 ~ April 6, 2020
Born in:
Brewster, Kansas
Resided in:
Pueblo, Colorado
Sonja Marie Melton passed away peacefully April 6, 2020, in Pueblo, Colorado. Sonja Marie Melton was born in Brewster, Kansas, February 9,1939, to Helen Lillian (Hollenbeck) Melton and Russell “Buck” Melton. Sonja went to elementary school in Brewster, Kansas and Piñon, Colorado. She graduated from Pueblo Central High School in 1957. Sonja earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from University of Northern Colorado Greeley in Education. Sonja taught Physical Education and Art in the Pueblo County School Districts for 33 years until retiring in 1996. After retiring Sonja taught at CSU Pueblo, PCC, and El Centro delta Quinto Sol. Sonja also coached Gymnastics at Pueblo Central High School for 13 years and led her team to a State championship in 1979. Sonja received the Coach of Champions Award and retired from coaching in 1981. Sonja was inducted into the Greater Pueblo Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. Sonja was also inducted into the Pueblo Central Hall of Honor in 2016.
Sonja was preceded in death by her grandparents, Euroth and Elmer and Lela and Hiram; parents, Helen and Russell; sister-in-law, Patricia A Melton (Greenstreet); and a very special, Aunt Evelyn Kring.
She is survived by her brother, Dale A. Melton of Goodland, Kansas; niece, Anne M. Melton of Syracuse, Kansas; numerous cousins; close friend and caregiver, Sofia Cruz; her beloved fur kids, Linus, Lily, Oscar and Chance and numerous friend.
Memorials should be sent to PAWS for Life, 800 N. Pueblo Blvd., Pueblo, CO 81004 or Pueblo Central Hall of Honor, c/o Pueblo Central High School Foundation, P.O. Box 3707, Pueblo, CO 81005-3707.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.
Sonja has left this earth and on her way to heaven stopped by the Rainbow Bridge to pick up animals who have gone before her and to talk with God to see if she can be the next keeper of the rainbow bridge…
Sonja will forever be a “True Blue Central Wildcat.”
Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Sonja Marie Melton 's name.
Please see obituary for memorial details
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About three years ago I come across her in Facebook I couldn’t believe it she was an awesome gym teacher with a heart of gold she had a kindnesses that I don’t think I have ever seen. I’m so glad we connected even if I was a short time. May she rest in Gods arms thank you for what you taught and showed me while a student at Central High Class of 1967
Sonja,
You and I had a strong bond… our love for animals. When you heard that The Lazarus Fund was struggling even though you didn’t have much yourself, you still sent in donations. You will always be an inspiration to me.
I’m sure you had many happy four-foots waiting to greet you on the other side of the rainbow bridge.
I love you my dear friend.
I will miss Sonja very much. She was a great friend and always had a friendly laugh. We enjoyed many lunches together over the years and the fun craft shows together. I will remember her always and she will always be in my heart.
REST IN PEACE DEARLY REMEMBERED
You will be missed, My Dear !!!!
My Dear Friend and Mentor… So many times you pulled me out of a mess !!! Your encouragment was always so appreciated ! You will be missed more than I can express ! With Love !!! Joni
Sonja will forever be remembered, by me!! She was my gymnastics coach for years and although I was not willing to be a Wildcat ( I was a true “red Bulldog”) she still remembered me after 40+ years, when I reconnected with her a year ago, and told me how much she wanted me to be on her gymnastics team, way back then. She was awesome and will be the team leader at the Rainbow Bridge!! Godspeed Sonya! 💗
Sonja will be missed by all of those in “Helen’s Angels as well as my daughter Elizabeth.
May she rest in peace and no pain.
I had the pleasure of meeting her at church and I enjoyed visiting with her and sitting with her. She was a sweet and beautiful lady.. May you rest in peace and my sincere condolences to her family
Hope you enjoy seeing all you dogs and Mom again. Thanks for the fun summers with my Grandpa.
Godspeed, Sonnie! You are now free from your terrible pain. Condolences to Dale and the rest of her family members.
Sonja was a wonderful lady that I have known for many years. She taught gymnastics to my youngest daughter. I had the privilege of going to her house just last month, and we had a wonderful visit. She loved her fur babies, and all animals so much. I know they will miss her terribly as she took such wonderful care of them. I do hope she does become the keeper of the Rainbow Bridge someday. Rest In Peace, dear Sonja.
I didn’t have an opportunity to know Sonja well ☹️ but knew she was a kind and giving lady. I will miss her.
Sorry to hear this news. I only knew Sonja through the Central High Hall of Honor but we became “Facebook Friends” and I looked forward to hearing from her. May she rest n peace.
Sonja, you’re the nicest person I’ve ever met. I will never forget how you were there for Shelby, when she was at Pitts. You were at the aIrport when she went to Seattle for her bone marrow transplant. All the furr babies are going to miss you, but your new job is to take care of them in heaven. You will never be forgotten.
Sonja will be remembered by many as a dedicated Coach, a fighter & helper for people less fortunate than her, and a Champion Caregiver for any precious animal who needed love and special care. She will be missed!
And yet another “legend” of Central High School and Pueblo leaves us for her eternal journey and home. Her dynasty of high school gymnastics is assured, as her teams won the most city and league titles, and eventually a state title, under her coaching. Tough lady, but with a heart of gold and a love for and devotion to protecting our four-legged friends. A talented artist and creative spirit, she will be both fondly remembered and missed. Who that knew or encountered her doesn’t have a “Sonja story” to share?!? 😁 RIP, Miss Melton.
I personally did not know Sonja but, my thoughts are with the family. I hope you can find comfort where I too have found in the past, 2 Cor. 1:4 “Who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trail with the comfort that we receive from God.”
My Father Hoy Frakes passed away on the same Day as Sonja! I was so sad to hear of Sonja’s passing! She taught both of our kids ! She had a very special relationship with my Late husband Dr. Martin Ottersberg! She opened an account to help people who couldn’t afford veterinary care! She also kept tabs on my husbands health! You shall be missed! Rest In Peace Sonja!
Sonja, will be missed by all of us in “Helen’s Angels”, and my daughter Elizabeth as well.
May she rest in peace and no pain,
Barb Leonard
I was very sad to hear the news of Sonja passing! My Father Hoy Frakes passed away the same day! Sonja and my late Husband Martin had a very special relationship! Sonja started an account at my Husband’s Veterinary clinic to help people who couldn’t afford Veterinary care! I just talked on the phone with her not to long ago! She will be sadly missed! Rest In Peace Sonja!
Sonja all those furry babies here will miss you and the ones who have gone on will be dancing in joy to greet you!!
Sonja Melton had a heart of gold, may she rest in Peace. My prayers are with all of her family and friends. 🙏🙏