Sonja Else Washburn of Big Rock, IL passed away on December 11, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.  Sonja was born in Heilgersdorf, Germany on April 13, 1950.

Sonja was a fiercely devoted mother and wife who loved supporting and cherishing her three children in all of their endeavors.  Regardless of the event she was always in attendance and her encouraging words could be heard throughout the field of play and beyond!  She worked for many years in the Dryer Medical Clinic and retired as Receptionist and Scheduler in the Radiology Department of the Advocate Medical Group after 20 years of service.  Sonja enjoyed cooking, knitting, crocheting, swimming and caring for her beautiful flowers.  She will be greatly missed by all whom she touched.

Sonja is survived by her husband, Henry Washburn; brother, Gert Engelhardt of Germany; her children, US Air Force Major General Linda Hurry (Washburn) of Washington DC, US Army Lieutenant Colonel Marc Washburn of Florida and Tanja Washburn (Brian Senick) of Wisconsin; her grandchildren, Ryan, Aaron and Jordyn Hurry of Washington DC and nieces, Nicole Griess and Jennifer Schmidt both of Germany.

Sonja was preceded in death by her parents, Elli Ensenberger and Heinrich Engelhardt and her sister, Karin Stubenrauch.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at The Healy Chapel, 370 Division Drive, Sugar Grove, IL. 

Funeral services will be held at 1 PM, Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Markland-Yager Funeral Home, 3855 Hwy. 5, New Franklin, MO with a visitation held one hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in New Franklin, MO.

Condolences may be shared at www.marklandyager.com.