Sherley Raye Sonnenberg

Sherley Raye Sonnenberg, 86, of Waco, passed away peacefully early Monday morning, March 16, 2020.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and City of Waco mandated orders, no large gatherings are allowed. Please be patient and understanding to all during this difficult time.

Graveside Service: Private burial will be held at Oakwood Cemetery, 2124 South 5th Street, in Waco

A Celebration of Life Service: will be announced and held at Crossroads Fellowship at a later date

Sherley was born October 20, 1933 to John Travis and Raye Murphy Kershner in Lubbock. Sherley’s dad was a career Army Officer. During the early years of WWII, the family lived in Florida, South Carolina, and Massachusetts. Upon her dad’s deployment to Italy, the family moved to Hillsboro, Texas.

Sherley graduated from Hillsboro High School and Providence Hospital School of Nursing in Waco. Sherley met Milton in the early 50’s and they corresponded when he was stationed in Korea. Milton started each letter with “Hey Sweet” and won Sherley’s heart. Upon his return from the war, they married on December 19, 1954. They both attended the University of Texas (hook’em) where Milton received his pharmacy degree. They eventually settled in Waco and together owned Professional Pharmacy.

Sherley was active in PTA, Cub Scouts, the Federation of Women’s Club, was twice president of the Waco Council of Garden Clubs, and twice president of the Central Texas Council of Flower Show Judges. She was also a fantastic cook. After the kids were grown, Sherley returned to nursing for the McLennan County Sheriff’s Department County Jail.

Sherley is survived by sons, John and wife, Catharine Sonnenberg of Austin and their children, Lillian Raye Ducote and husband, Alex and Ford Sonnenberg and George and wife, Sarah Sonnenberg of Bryan and their children, Josh and Timmy; and daughter, Lisa Thomas and her children Austin and wife, Cassie of China Spring, Cameron and Caitlin of Waco and Logan and wife, Chailey of Waco; and her pride and joy, her great-grandchildren, Kimber Lee and Remi Raye, daughters of Austin and Cassie.

The family would like to thank all of our friends, work families, Academy for Creative Learning, Royal Manor, Book Club, Heart 2 Heart Women’s Group, Bluebonnet Hospice, Lake Shore Funeral Home, Crossroads Fellowship, Nurse’s at Hillcrest, St. Catherine’s and Royal Manor!

Nurse’s, Julia Boarman and Jennifer, who sat with our sister, for a few hours, guiding her through our mother’s journey to heaven! Also our sisters dear friends, Teresa Bosher and Lori Richardson who sat outside our mother’s window, praying, and playing music, while comforting our sister! Our community rallied around our family during a difficult time in our lives, we deeply appreciate everything everyone has done for our precious mother!

Memorials in Sherley’s memory may be directed to your favorite charity.

Place of Service: Oakwood Cemetery , 2124 S.5th St.; Waco, TX 76706