Sonja J. Mcmanaway

Sonja J. McManaway 74, of Seymour, IL left this life at 4:05 p.m.Thursday Aug. 22, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Sonja was born Sept. 3, 1938 in Champaign, IL to Chester D. and Margaret McDanell Blue. She married Edwin McManaway on Nov. 13, 1954 in Shelbyville, IL. He survives. Other survivors include a son Todd (Rhinda) McManaway of St. Louis, MO; 3 daughters, Karen (the late Henry) Whipple of Champaign, IL, Linda (Steve) Russo of Columbus, OH, and Julie (Mike) Raiford of Hampton, VA. 2 brothers, Chester D. Blue of Champaign, IL, and Pastor James (Chris) Blue of Olivet, IL. A sister Marge (the late Ed) Tracy of Mason City, IL. 2 Half sisters Patty Marks and Maria Jackson both of Hobe Sound, FL. 4 grandchildren- Heather, Cody (Lauren and her daughter Lena,) Kristen McManaway of St. Louis, MO and Philip Whipple of Champaign, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and a stillborn sister- Mindy Sue. Sonja worked at the University of Illinois in the Accounting Office where she handled accounts receivable and student accounts. Sonja was a very devoted member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Champaign. She was very active in the churches quilting club which eventually turned into a lunch group. She also was part of their book club and the Womens Bible Study Group. She also enjoyed gardening. She had previously been a member of the Boots and Bows Square Dance Club. Those who knew Sonja knew her as a person full of life who was loving, caring, nurturing, and a beloved friend to all. The most important aspect of her life was her loving family who looked at her as the “matriarch”. A Celebration of Sonjas Life will be Celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday Aug. 26th at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 2101 S. Prospect Ave. in Champaign. Officiating will be Pastor Tom Hillertz assisted by Sonjas brother Pastor Jim Blue. Visitation will be held Sunday Aug. 25th from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil St. in Champaign. And one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Urbana. Memorials in her name may be made to The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or the Charity of the Donors Choice.