Sonja S. Gottfried

Sonja S. Gottfried, 85, of Fort Wayne went to her heavenly home on Sunday, January 15, 2023. Sonja was born on January 12, 1938 in Monroe, Indiana, a daughter of the late Robert and Dora Shoup and was a longtime resident of Fort Wayne. She grew up in Willshire, Ohio where she played the snare drum in the marching band and raced stock cars. Her first job was as a telephone operator in Willshire. She also served as the president/treasurer of the Allen County Deaf Association, president of the Nebraska School PTA, and a van driver for the Blackhawk Ministries "Super Sixties". Most of all, she will be remembered as a stay at home mom, caring for her family. Sonja will be remembered for her giving spirit. She was always willing to give to her children when in need and was also a sponsor for children in foreign countries. Sonja wore many "hats" during her life and was an amazing daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and great aunt. Sonja was a faithful prayer warrior who many would call on in times of needing prayer. She was a Sunday school teacher and leader in the churches she attended including her most recent church home, Coventry Baptist Church. Surviving family include her sons, Michael, Robert (Daphne), Christopher (Richard), Daniel (Lynette), David (Kristy), and Andrew (Lisa) Gottfried; daughters, Shevawn (Dave) Shoppell, Kim (Rick) Stigerts, and Charlene (Chris) Daymude; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren arriving in the spring of 2023. Besides her parents, she was preceded in passing by her husband of 61 years, Harry, who passed away in November of 2022; daughter, Charmaine Gottfried; son, James Arnold; and brother, Robert D. Shoup. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 23, 2023 at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 6750 Covington Road, Fort Wayne with visitation one hour prior. Dr. John L. Blair, pastor at Coventry Baptist Church will be officiating. Visitation will also be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at the funeral home. Entombment will follow services at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Autism Association of America at www.nationalautismassociation.org. Condolences and memories may be left online at www.greenlawnmpfh.com.