Rebecca Sue Sonner

Rebecca Sue Sonner; 78, went home peaceful to be with the Lord on November 29, 2023 with her family by her side.  Becky had courageously fought cancer with great strength. Rebecca was born in Charleston, West Virginia on April 20, 1945 to the late Harry and Mary (Moffatt) McCown.

Becky is survived by her husband, Lewis Sonner, Jr.; children Kimberly (Richard Loy) Willison, Chery (Troy) Schepflin and Jeffrey (Maria Estadt) Sonner; grandchildren, Alexander, Benjamin and Nicholas Schepflin.  She also left behind her beloved dog Rudy. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Virginia McDonie, Siebert Huffman, Lawrence McCown, and Bruce McCown.

Becky was a career woman before Mary Tyler Moore, starting off in banking while still in high school.  She earned an Associate’s Degree in Business from Columbus State Community College and completed additional course work and certifications in property management and real estate.

Always a learner and eager to connect with others, Becky became a fitness instructor and educator after her retirement.  She was committed to helping others keep their minds and bodies challenged. Her Silver Sneakers classes were always well-attended due to her careful preparation, engaging delivery, and her care for her class members.  She also led a walking program for seniors with arthritis as part of a collaborative initiative between the Ohio State University and the Arthritis Foundation.

Becky was always willing to lend a helping hand to others as was evidenced by her volunteer work with many public service and nonprofit organizations over the years. Becky quickly became the planner, leader and organizer whenever one was needed. As part of the founding congregation of her church, Becky had a long history of service as a treasurer, a deaconess, and Sunday School teacher.  Her volunteerism included service to Rosehill Elementary School,  the Boy Scouts, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Medical Reserve Corps.

Becky was responsible, dependable and determined.  She was a mother to all, quickly gaining the love and respect of her children’s friends and younger coworkers. She was hardworking and dedicated, supporting her two daughters for many years on her own and in her final years caring for her husband with Alzheimer’s disease.

Becky liked to keep busy gardening, baking, raising butterflies, traveling, and hosting gatherings for family and friends.  She loved cheering on her grandsons at their sporting events.

Becky will be remembered for her radiant smile, her tremendous energy, her bravery and perseverance in the face of challenges. We will always remember the "McCown" twinkle in her eyes.  We know she is in heaven singing or whistling her favorite songs.

A Celebration of Rebecca’s Life will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Crosswalk Church, 751 Rosehill Road, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 at 10:00 am with Pastor John Ennis officiating.

Rebecca’s family requests that memorial donations and/or flowers in her memory be forwarded to Crosswalk Church.  Arrangements under the care of Cotner Funeral Home and Crematory.

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