Virginia Ruth Sonke, age 94, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2019. Virginia was born in Chicago, IL on November 25, 1924, the daughter of Roy and Ruth Boldt who brought her to Grand Rapids as a baby. She was then a life-long resident of Grand Rapids where she graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School, Class of 1942. Virginia worked for twenty plus years as Clerk for the First Church of Christ, Scientist of Grand Rapids. Her hobbies that were her passion was reading, watercolor painting, attending art shows and music. She was a resident of the Michigan Oak Neighborhood for 67 years, where she became active in the developing years of the Michigan Oak School and served as a leader in both the Cub Scouts and the Girl Scouts. She was also Chairman for over 10 years of the Michigan Oak Carnival and active in the PTA. Besides her parents she was preceded by her husband, Taylor Sonke; son, Stephen Sonke; daughter, Jennifer Sonke; son-in-law, Bruce Klooster and brother and sister-in-law, Roy and DeLossie Boldt. Surviving are her son, James (Peggy) Sonke of Wyoming, MI; a daughter-in-law, Sarah Sonke of Raleigh, NC; son, Gary (Ruth) Sonke of Perry Park, CO.; daughter, Laurie Klooster of Grand Rapids; four grandchildren, Melissa Lavadour, Jennifer Sonke, Lisa Sonke, Jason Sonke and five great-grandchildren. In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a private family memorial service at a later date. Memorial contributions to the First Church of Christ, Scientist of Grand Rapids, 868 Fuller NE, 49503, or to the Japanese Garden at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park,1000 E. Beltline NE, GR 49525 would be appreciated.
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