Barbara Sonneman

BARBARA KAY SONNEMAN

1942-2017

Barbara Kay Sonneman, 75 years old.  Barbara was born on December 3, 1942 in Great Bend, Kansas to Roy and Dorothy Martin.  She was their only child.  She peacefully passed on December 24, 2017 while residing at The Cascades at Riverwalk in Midvale, Utah.

Barbara attended the Great Bend schools and graduated from Great Bend High School in the early 1960’s.  She then ventured off to Wichita, Kansas where she worked her way through school to attain a BA degree from Wichita State University with a major in Art.

Barbara taught art in Wichita for a couple of years before moving to Wyoming in 1970.  In 1972 she met her future husband, Melvin Sonneman, while working as a teacher in Casper, Wyoming.

Melvin and Barbara were married on December 21, 1972 in Lander, Wyoming.  Within the next few months they started their lives together in Worland, Wyoming where Melvin was employed.  During the next 12 years she help Melvin raise his five children, of which three are still alive today.

Barbara had a long and rewarding career as an instructor of art.  She taught at the Children’s Home in Casper, Wyoming, at the Wyoming Indian High School in Ethete, Wyoming, and at Worland Jr. High School in Worland, Wyoming.  She loved the mountains around northern Wyoming and during the summer would park herself in a mountain meadow and do water color paintings of mountain scenes.

Barbara loved plants and often had various flower gardens and herb gardens.  She also loved cats and had those friends in her life throughout her adult years.  She always spent time each week sketching and painting.

In 1984, Barbara moved to the Salt Lake City area where she remained until her death.  There, she taught in various schools, took numerous education classes, enjoyed donating her time at book stores and libraries, and loved working at the Delta Center where she could be closer to her Utah Jazz team.  Barbara was also a beloved friend and grandmother to any child she ever met.  Many of the neighborhoods kids in Salt Lake would go visit her daily.  She was always quick to give a treat or take them on little adventures.  Many of the Salt Lake Bee's games were enjoyed by Barbara with the kids!  She will forever be missed and never forgotten.  Thanks for everything Barbara, you are our Angel.

Barbara is survived by her former husband Melvin and four step children.  She is preceded in death by her parents and a step daughter Carla. Care entrusted to Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary.