CRAIN, Sonja E. (1962-2022)

CRAIN

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 7/2/2022 at 00:04:28

Sonja Ellen Crain
(August 23, 1962 - February 11, 2022)

It does not do well to dwell on dreams and forget to live." ― Albus Dumbledore
All people die, but not all people live. On Friday, February 11, 2022, with her family by her side at home, Sonja Ellen Crain began her celestial journey the way she lived her life; with courage, dignity, and gratitude.
Sonja entered this world on August 23, 1962, in Chicago, IL to William Johnson and Sabra Mitchell. Born in the year of the Tiger, Sonja personified her zodiac with an energetic presence, relentless optimism, and a fierce loyalty to those she held closest to her immense, magnificent heart.
An inquisitive, life-long learner, Sonja graduated from Rich East High School in 1980 and then went on to earn her BA from Knox College in 1984. A quiet, determined achiever, Sonja applied to Northern Illinois University where she obtained her MA in 1988.
It was at Knox College that Sonja met the love of her life, Dale; however, she just didn’t know it. Without even meeting, Dale claimed to a buddy, “I’m going to marry her one day,” so he did what any upstanding, romantic guy would do, he threw her a curveball and asked her to umpire his baseball game. And the rest is history.
Sonja was the first to move to Indianola to begin a teaching career at Simpson College while Dale finished Chiropractic School. On October 8, 1988, their long-distance relationship ended when they both said, “I Do.”
Sonja was an ambitious and resourceful instructor with the heart and soul of true creative. Her vitality and keen sense of justice made her a favorite among students, young people, including dozens of neighborhood kids, and anyone who was instinctively drawn to her genuineness. While her adventurous character relentlessly explored current ideas and concepts, Sonja’s greatest adventure was being a mom and grandma to her other great loves: Chelsea, Chloe, Nicholas, and baby Hallie.
Although Sonja put her Simpson career on hold to be home with the kids, she never stopped working. A fastidious and tireless volunteer for organizations such as TTT, Dobber’s Up, and the National Balloon Classic, Sonja also filled up her love-of-teaching cup by leading Sunday School and Kid’s Club at Trinity United Presbyterian Church where she also served as a Deacon. Sonja eventually returned to Simpson College where she found yet another calling through teaching by helping students achieve success through the TRIO Program. She retired from Simpson in 2020 and proudly took on the role of Chief Editor for Deeper than Money, a business founded by her daughter Chloe.
Learning was not confined to the classroom; if it weren’t for her extreme aversion, and often down-right loathing of the cold, Sonja would spend every day outdoors. It was not unusual for her to capture (and always release) bugs for wide-eyed kids or research the biological species of her backyard birds. Tornadoes got her heart pumping and when it was time to flee to the basement, Sonja would have to be plucked from the porch. Her dream car? A Tornado Intercept Vehicle, just what all the girls want.
Sonja was a selfless and devoted friend and confidant. In this brightly spinning world, Sonja’s irrepressible, gracious spirit was a vibrant example of how to live well and how to live fully. She would mend a scuffed knee as tenderly as she would mend a broken heart. And even in the dark days of cancer, Sonja put one foot in front of the other and would light up your world. Her loyalty, originality, and brilliant blue eyes were her trademarks; her unyielding and unique individuality has forever left a permanent imprint on our lives.
Sonja is remembered in love by her husband Dale Crain; children, Chelsea (Dominik) Lensing, Chloe Crain, and Nicholas Crain; granddaughter, Hallie Lensing; mother, Sabra Mitchell; sister, Joanna Johnson; mother-in-law, Lillian Crain; brother-in-law, Robert (Jan) Crain; nephew, Brandon (Amelia) Crain; niece, Shannon Rieckenberg (Cody) and other family and friends too numerous to list but not forgotten.
Sonja would want us all to remember her with a good belly-laugh than with tears. She would want us to find comfort in knowing she is free from pain and home with her father William Johnson; father-in-law, Robert “Snook” Crain, and William “Gundy” Craig.
Celebration of Life Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Indianola. Inurnment of cremains will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dobber’s Up or Indianola Trinity United Presbyterian Church. This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/