Sonja Sandifer

May 7, 1926 - September 24, 2017

Mrs. Sonja (Lohr) Sandifer was born and raised in Vienna, Austria. She attended a private Catholic school which she paid for herself by working as a seamstress and other jobs. Her hobbies included crocheting, reading, writing and knitting sweaters. Her family was blessed with many gifts of afghans, tablecloths and blankets through the years. The pastime that brought her the greatest joy was being with her family. She treasured every birthday, holiday and any other time she could spend with her children and grandchildren. Sonja grew up and survived during the Depression and World War II in Vienna and though many memories of that time haunted her, the experience taught her many lessons that she passed down to her children, including her undying faith in God, independence and never, never giving up. She met the love of her life, William “Sandy” Sandifer in Vienna through a blind date set up by her sister Lori. She had told Sonja her mother had died to get her to come home from work to meet him. Service to the Army separated them for some time, but Sonja came to the states in 1957 and they were together the rest of their lives until Sandy’s passing in 1982. Five children were born to them. Mrs. Sandifer was the first female mail carrier at Fort Leonard Wood and spent many long hours proving she could work as long and as hard as any of the men. One thing we cannot forget is her passion for animals. An untold count of strays and dumped animals were brought into her home and loved and cared for the rest of their lives. The family would like to thank two special friends, Patti Espinoza and husband Ferman. They devoted many hours offering help, love and friendship as she lived alone in later years. Our hearts cannot express our gratitude to them and the Hospice workers who made her final hours so peaceful. Services were held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, September 29, 2017 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Father John Groner officiating. The songs “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art” were played. Several family members and friends recalled their wonderful memories of Sonja. Serving as escorts were Bobby Sandifer, Tom Sandifer, Grant Sandifer, Logan Sandifer, Tyler Klineline and Ferman Espinoza. Serving as honorary escorts were Sandy and Marlon Sandifer. Burial followed in the Main Post Cemetery of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Sonja Sandifer and may be left at the funeral home.