Sonoma E. Hagler

Sonoma Elouise Hagler, 80, beloved wife, mother, mawmaw, sister, and friend passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 15, 2015. She was surrounded by her loving family. The visitation will be 6:00-8:00pm on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, TX. A celebration of her life will take place Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 2:00pm at Southern Hills Church of Christ. Wes McAdams and Paul Shero will officiate. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.

Sonoma Elouise was born on August 22, 1934 in Oklahoma City, OK. She was raised by her “Mama” Sarada Howard. They moved to Fresno, CA and later to San Francisco where she spent most of her childhood. Sonoma always had a twinkle in her eye when she shared memories of beautiful San Francisco. At the age of 15, Sonoma and her parents moved to Abilene, TX where she met Dean Hagler. Dean was the love of her life. They were married on October 1, 1950 in Sand Hill, TX. They returned to Abilene where they spent 53 years together until Dean’s death in 2004.

Together, Sonoma and Dean had 6 children, 17 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren. Sonoma and Dean were foster parents for Christian Homes of Abilene. For over 33 years, they fostered over 75 babies. Sonoma was a faithful member of Baker Heights Church of Christ for over 50 years. Sonoma was dedicated to teaching children about the Bible that might not usually get to hear. She started a program called Saturday School at Baker Heights in which she rode a bus every Saturday morning during the summer months to help pick up children. Sonoma enjoyed fishing with her best friend, Betty Jo, playing canasta, taking cruises with Dean, and spending time with her family. She attended all extra curricular activities for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sonoma was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Hagler; her parents, Sarada and John Howard; and her Aunt, Stella Thompson. She is survived by her sister, Wynona Kenny of Aurora, Colorado; her six children, Theresa Lollis and husband George of Weatherford, Tommy Hagler and wife Barbie, Connie Vogler and husband Donny, Deana Morris and husband Robby, John Hagler and wife Tamara, and Kristi Longoria - all of Abilene;

seventeen grandchildren, Courtney Foster and husband Travis, DeAnn Starks and husband Ryan, Candice Moreno and husband Victor, Summer Stranges and husband Nick, Angie Oliver and husband Tracy, Keri Sanders and husband J, Landon Vogler, Travis Morris, Trent Morris, Charlee Ann Templeton and husband Addison, Jay McDaniel, Wesley Hagler, Alexa Longoria, Kylee Longoria, Trey Hagler, Dejah McCorkie and husband Glen, Jessica DeNigro and husband Patrick; twenty-one great-grandchildren, Carrli, Avery, Laurel, Makayla, Grady, Tyler, Carter, Emma, Kaeli, Laini, Jace, Chandler, Ava, Bailee, Cambry, Kinley, Akane, Tenley, Tatum, Colson and Victoria. The family would like to give a special thanks to her loving caregivers including those from Home Instead of Abilene and Big Country Hospice. A memorial fund in her honor has been set up benefiting Christian Homes of Abilene. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Christian Homes of Abilene, P.O. Box 270 Abilene, Texas 79604.